Dear Blooming Glen Friends,  

We planned for a quick, three-session introductory study on the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective (1995), to work on our identity as part of the Mosaic Pathways process.  As the third week came to end, participants asked for a fourth week.  And wow!  That was a lively discussion between sisters and brothers with different points of view. It was also a conversation among people who clearly love each another, and clearly seek reliance on the scriptures as the authority for faith and life.  It also included folks who were as passionate about baseball after the study, as they were about the scriptures during the study! 

So, we’re extending the introductory study on the Confession of Faith for at least another week.  Join us this Sunday, November 12, 6:45 pm in the Glen Adult classroom for further conversation and discernment about how this confession of faith guides our life together as we seek to follow Jesus daily in life.   

Extending this three-week test course into a five (or six?) week learning community begs a question.  Is there an appetite in the congregation for a continuing Sunday evening study group?  Topics we might continue with could range from Anabaptist history and beliefs to bible studies on various books or themes in scripture.  We could focus on the issue of baptism and church membership, or our congregational discipleship values or on exploring what’s going on in our culture or how to learn from the global church.  In short, the sky is the limit. 

And the best part … I don’t need to lead every event.  There are capable teachers other than me at Blooming Glen, and with technology, we could have people from anywhere in the world bring us high-quality teaching. 

If I get twenty-five affirming responses by Thanksgiving to the idea of participating (in person or virtually) in such a Sunday evening group, I’ll put a proposed outline together, send it out, and we’ll modify it together, with plans to launch a Sunday evening study group in January (email responses to jeff@bgmc.net, phone message to Gretchen in the church office at extension 101, or text message directly to me).   

One of our discipleship values is to embrace a set of peaceful practices: curiosity, discovery, engagement, dialogue, empathy, authenticity, dignity, and transformation.  In this Sunday evening study group, we can work at a variety of issues that puzzle and perplex us as a congregation, while learning how to do the peaceful practices that lead to deeper discipleship in following Jesus together. 

Let me know what you think, church.  I look forward to more conversation … 

Pastor Jeff
jeff@bgmc.net 

 PS -  I’ve been out of the office this week.  I’ve had the privilege this week of participating in a seminary accreditation site visit in Michigan.  I’ll be at the Broad Street Grind this Friday, November 10, 3:30-4:45 pm to listen to whatever is on your hearts and minds.  I’ll be back at the A&N Diner on Monday, November 13, 7:30-8:45 am to listen to whatever is on your hearts and minds.  If neither of those times work for you, please reach out to Gretchen (church extension 101).  She’s empowered to find time in my schedule when folks from the church want to talk.  I want to listen – to hopes, concerns, joys, ideas, dreams, whatever … let’s get together. Thanks!