5.3.2022 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
It's good to be back after a week "away" on study leave. I've had a number of people ask me what I was studying last week so I thought I might use this email to share a few things.
Angel's Have No Knees
As I said on Sunday morning, I discovered there is an ancient Jewish tradition that angels don't have knees (rooted in Ezekiel 1:7 which says, "their legs were straight."). They believed that the angels were always standing in the presence of God, a posture of worship and reverence, and had no need for sitting, thus no knees. I initially found this humorous but, in thinking more about it, I love how the angel's very form is determined and shaped by the presence of God. Since God is worthy of glory and honor and power and blessing, the angel's bodies (or whatever we should call them) are fashioned to best serve and worship God!
The Primacy of God
I finished reading With the Grain of the Universe by Stanley Hauerwas. It was dense and I probably understood 50% of it, but I find it a helpful spiritual practice to read books that make me feel stupid :). The book was an exploration of natural theology (that we can come to a knowledge of God through nature and/or reason) and how it is ultimately a fruitless effort. Hauerwas utilizes Karl Barth as a primary resource in showing how all theology finds its root, center, and source in God alone. We only know things of God because God has revealed them. I deeply appreciated some of Hauerwas' insights on Barth and I plan to read more Barth.
Way, Watch-care, and Witness
I started reading James McClendon's Ethics, the first in his Systematic Theology Trilogy (a less cool trilogy than Star Wars). I particularly appreciated his insight into three primary themes that carry Scriptures story forward from Genesis through Revelation: way, watch-care, and witness. He describes life with God as a journey (way) with fellow travelers who need watchful care over their journey (watch-care), all of which points to the revelation of God's character and work in this world (witness).
Revelation
I did significant background study of the Book of Revelation. I'll provide a more comprehensive overview in next week's email as we dive into Revelation this month.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"The Whole World Sings a Song to God"
Revelation 7:9-17
Pastor Calvin Sodestrom
Bible App for Sunday, May 8 (with Lectionary Readings)
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday School is back in person - now meeting at 9:30 in the church Library next to the Iona Room. All are welcome to join. This week we will be exploring Revelation 7:9-17, utilizing a Bible Reading framework I shared on Sunday. Here's an overview of the Bible Reading framework if you'd like to join on Sunday and be up to date! There is a ZOOM link for those who want to join remotely.
Kid's Corner!
The book of Revelation is an art gallery! One great way to invite kids to engage this book of Scripture is to read the passage together (Revelation 7:9-17) and invite them to draw a picture of what they hear.
Update from Intervarsity
Click HERE for an update on Intervarsity's ministry and most recent retreat!
Special Offering for Michael Arteen and Grace Zoughbi!
We will be collecting a special offering on May 8 in support of their ministry. If you would like to contribute to their ministry, please mark your checks, deposit envelopes, or Zelle/Venmo description.
Glenview Neighborhood Association Meeting - May 11 @ 7:30pm in Higher Grounds
The Glenview Neighborhood Association is having their first in person meeting since 2020. This is a great way for us to stay connected to the neighborhood and build relationships with those outside the walls of our church. HERE's the agenda for the evening.
Day of Service with Project Peace - May 14
Project Peace is hosting a Day of Service on May 14 from 9am-12pm. City Team and Harbor House, two of our mission partners, are possible sites. I've reserved two extra spots (along with myself) at Harbor House. If you'd like to join me, let me know! To register for a site, click HERE.