In light of these discoveries, today with confidence we can affirm: That God has been calling this universe into being for at least 13.8 billion years and continues calling upon the Creation to bring forth new creatures; I love the Reformed Theology here; we are being “called.” This is not mere science we are talking about. That God’s creative call has resulted in virtually countless stars and planetary systems, and new stars and planetary systems are continuing to be created; That, in response to God’s creative call, the Earth took…
Category: Core Values
Female Matters Pt 1
The first half of Sunday’s reflection on the most awkward Bible passage ever. Are we similarly too embarrassed to be public about our feminism?
Missing Marcus
Marcus Borg died yesterday and this morning I am feeling more exposed; a little less brave. For 25 years since Jesus: A New Vision came out I have read his works with fascination and admiration for this scholar and prophet who dared go where many of us wanted but dared not. His progressive and deeply biblical, historical vision has been an inspiration to many of us preachers whose livelihood is forever tied to the approval of people for whom academia can feel a threat.
Science and Scripture
Insisting we take the Bible literally is a relatively new, and often bad, idea. For the great majority of the Church’s history we let scripture speak to us in rich metaphor and symbol, in evocative, poetic, spiritual and life-changing fashion.
Open and Affirming
God is at work calling many who are gay or lesbian into the ordained ministry. For Presbyterians (PCUSA) that means called to be Deacons, Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders (minister of the Word and Sacrament). We also want to call them for our next potluck, mission trip, committee meeting and book group! Our denomination recognizes the ordination of gays and lesbians and Genesis also rejoices in the diversity of God’s children. Everyone is welcome (at every level) at Genesis.
In Praise of the 51%
It is odd that we would even need to mention this in the 21st century. But a significant majority of Christendom doesn’t recognize the legitimacy of Women as equal partners in Leadership and Ministry.* We think this is truly a shame. First, we wonder: how on earth do they get anything done?!
Faith With Works, works.
Genesis Church, where I Pastor a rowdy bunch of committed folk, has come up with 5 Core Values. The first is about ACTION Ministry is way too important to leave to the paid staff ! So we are Actively Taking Part, Moving Beyond Self-Interest, and Serving Others.