Every new year we explore our identity as followers of Jesus. This year, we consider Jesus as the first enfleshed Christ. Foundational to who we are as a community centered on Jesus, we’ll consider the questions “who is Christ?”, “how do we hold onto Jesus in our evolving faith?”, and “what is Jesus’ invitation to us?” Walking through the book of John, we take a look at Jesus as he repeats “very truly I tell you”, putting to death what we thought and allowing room for the resurrection. Moving into Lent, we slow down and walk through the passion narrative as shared in the book of John. We’ll be taking big steps through John, so follow along and read in between each week’s text.
Week by Week:
January 3 : Intro.: Jesus, the First Enfleshed Christ (John 1)
January 10: Born Again (John 3)
January 17: Authority of the Son (John 5)
January 24: Life (John 6)
January 31: I am (John 8)
February 7: Death Gives Way (John 11 and 12)
February 14: Acceptance and Greater Things (John 13 and 14)
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17th. Gathering on Zoom at 7pm. All are welcome to join us for Ash Wednesday. We will begin the Lenten season by meeting on Zoom, practicing the Ash Wednesday liturgy, and sharing resources for the season.
February 21: Prayer for Disciples (John 17)
February 28: Betrayal (John 18.1-11)
March 7: Standing Before (John 18.28-38)
March 14: Sentencing (John 19.1-16)
March 21: Burial (John 19.31-39)
March 28: Palm Sunday: Entry (John 12.12-16)
Holy Week: Good Friday Service, April 2nd 7-7:30pm on Zoom. Join us as we continue to make our way through Holy Week. We will meet on Zoom and practice the Good Friday liturgy.
April 4/Easter: Christ: Appearing to Disciples (John 21.1-19)
Discussion Prompts:
-As you explore the book of John, what is capturing your attention?
-Wonder together. What is the Spirit revealing to you about Christ and identifying as a follower of Jesus?
-What about Jesus - the first enfleshed Christ - do you continue to experience today? As one who follows the first enfleshed Christ, what do you sense is the invitation to you?
-As you explore and read the book of John, what do you sense Jesus teaching you about the terrain - the landscape of life and faith?
-What patterns do you notice emerging in your faith journey? What do you need from God right now?
-Jesus often says, “very truly I tell you”. What ways of thinking need to be put to death (where do we need to repent, and turn) and where do you need to allow room for the resurrection?
-What pieces of faith and identity have you shed? What pieces do you sense need to be picked back up? How do we hold onto Jesus in our evolving faith?
-Discuss Trinity’s practices. Where do you sense God inviting you to lean in?
-As you read the text, imagine being with Jesus. Take your time in Lent to linger in the story. What do you experience? What do you feel in your body?
Resources:
Another Name for Everything (Podcast)
Lent
The Awkward Season by Pamela C. Hawkins
Atheism for Lent with Peter Rollins
Click here to download Trinity's Guide to Lent.
Good Friday to Easter, album by Page CXVI
Lent, album by Liturgical Folk
Christian Passover Meal from A Holy Experience
(image credit Pawel Czerwinski)