South Bend City Church

4.14 [TEACHING] - Out of the Ashes: Dreams & Disappointment [Palm Sunday]

"I had hoped for something else."
Matthew 27:15-17 // Luke 24:17-21, 31
May all your expectations be frustrated. May all your plans be thwarted. May all your desires be withered into nothingness. That you may experience the powerlessness and the poverty of a child and sing and dance in the love of God the Father, the Son and the Spirit. (Blessing given to Henri Nouwen by his mentor)
 

4.7 [TEACHING] - Out of the Ashes: the beauty hiding in our most difficult experiences

In week 5 of our Lenten series, we looked at anger and asked if anger, which is so often a bad thing, might sometimes be a sign that we're waking up.
 
We also reflected on these questions:
ARE YOU CARRYING ANY ANGER RIGHT NOW?
IS IT COMING FROM IMMATURITY OR AN OFFENDED EGO? BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ANGER THAT’S NOT? IS ANY OF IT ROOTED IN LOVE?
COULD YOUR ANGER MAKE YOU BETTER OR MORE AWAKENED? MORE COMMITTED TO HEALING OR JUSTICE?
IS GOD SPEAKING TO YOU THROUGH YOUR ANGER AND INVITING YOU TO RESPOND?

3.31 [TEACHING] - Out of the Ashes: the beauty hiding in our most difficult experiences

This week in our Lenten series, we considered the pain we experience in betrayal - when people who should have been safe for us turned out to be the ones who hurt us. Psalm 55, Luke 23, Luke 17.

3.24 [TEACHING] - Out of the Ashes: the beauty hiding in our most difficult experiences

In week 3 of our Lenten series, we explore the realization that comes from time to time that leads you to say, "I'm wrong." We also reflected on these questions: Is there anything in your life right now that invites you to say, “I’m wrong?” Any pattern that needs to end? Anything wrong that you’re a part of, even if you didn’t actively choose the wrong? Any hurtful or unhelpful act that needs to be acknowledged? Any relationship that needs to be reconciled?

3.17 [TEACHING] - Out of the Ashes: the beauty hiding in our most difficult experiences

In week 2 of our Lenten series, we consider the pain and power of doubt and unknowing. Matthew 27-28, John 20.
 
We also took time in this gathering to pray for our Muslim neighbors in the wake of the horrific violence perpetrated against them in New Zealand, and that prayer is included in this episode.

3.10 [TEACHING] - Out of the Ashes: the beauty hiding in our most difficult experiences

In week 1 of our Lenten series, we’re confronted with the awareness of our mortality. Genesis 3, Matthew 16, Galatians 2, Philippians 2

3.3 [TEACHING] - Four Words that Change Everything: Lisa Sharon Harper

Guest teacher Lisa Sharon Harper, the author of The Very Good Gospel, joined us to teach a biblical gospel that's good news for people suffering injustice.

2.17 - [TEACHING] Tending the Field: a practical look at cultivating grace & peace with neighbors

Ryan Yazel - James 1:19, Acts 10:34-35, Hebrews 13:3, Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 27:14, Proverbs 25:20

2.10 - [Conversation] Sacred Images in our Spiritual Journeys

Our pastor, Jason Miller, interviews visual artist Scott Erickson about the role of images in prayer and spiritual formation.
 

2.3 [TEACHING] -Mantra: Fields, Not Factories

John 3, Matthew 13