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65th Annual Meeting & Conference Lectures
Bible Lecture Presenter:
The Rev. Dr. Brett Younger, Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn, NY
The Rev. Dr. Brett Younger, Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn, NY
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Focusing on the Gospel of Mark, Dr. Younger discusses how Jesus’ ministry informs our call to ministry today. In Part 1, Dr. Younger offers an overview of Mark’s gospel, then focuses on Mark 1:14-20, challenging us to consider the way in which we share our faith, and our call to “get out of the boat.” He asks, “What would it take for us to live like the church, instead of talk like the church?”
In Part 2, Dr. Younger focuses on Mark 1:1-12, suggesting that the message of forgiveness can offer a fresh start for everyone who hears it. He also draws meaning out of Mark 2:23-3:6, asking if we, at times, might be a bit more like the Pharisees than we are comfortable admitting. He says, “This story doesn’t really bother us, because we think we know which side we’re on.”
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In Part 3, Dr. Younger focuses on Mark 8:27-38 and Mark 16:1-8. In speaking of the way Jesus challenges our deeply ingrained notions of who God is, he says those who want a peaceful life would do well to steer clear of Jesus. “Jesus disturbs our selfishness, challenges our prejudices, reorders our priorities,” he said. “Jesus wants to change us.” He suggests that Mark’s abrupt ending perhaps means that the Gospel is still being written through us.
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Representatives from churches of varying sizes discuss the ways in which their fellowships are living out their Christian faith. While each of these congregations are located in the Midwest, the successes they share are applicable anywhere! Panelists: Patty Smith, Berwick (IA) Congregational Church; The Rev. Justin Nierer, Sandstone Congregational Church (Jackson, MI) The Rev. Dr. Don Olsen, Plymouth Congregational Church (Wichita, KS)
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Peggy Bendroth suggests that the culture of Congregationalism continues to permeate the American way of life, but over time, Congregationalists have lost an understanding of their roots. Bendroth says we have to understand our DNA -- “Who you were is how you are.” In other words, it’s important to reclaim an understanding of the history of the Congregational Way to understand who we are today and who we are called to be tomorrow.
Presenter: Peggy Bendroth, Executive Director & Historian, Congregational Library, Boston, MA |
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