march 8.

Text:  Matthew 26:1-28:20

Speaker:  Joy J. Moore, Associate Dean for Black Church Studies and Church Relations at Duke Divinity School.

Moore is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. She previously taught homiletics, and provided pastoral ministry and administrative leadership in the UMC before joining the Divinity School. A frequent speaker and retreat leader, Moore has held pastorates in rural urban and suburban Michigan.

Big picture:  In the last section of Matthew we find Jesus facing the consequences for his teaching. His challenge of the current systems is requited with judgment and condemnation. Yet, through his willing death, Jesus fully and completely lives into his attested kingdom of selfless generosity. When all hope seems lost and his words appear empty, Jesus is resurrected as a final, victorious proclamation of the success of God's kingdom. The resurrection offers hope and assurance that our work is not in vain.  

lectio.

You may have heard us mention the lectio readings during Chapel services and wondered what we're talking about.  Here's a little background on the program that's going on at SPU:

This free online weekly reading program allows you to explore God's Word with the guidance of an outstanding biblical scholar who has a deeply personal Christian faith.  You can read the Lectio, listen to a podcast, or both.

Over the course of four years, you'll encounter a majority of the Bible – and do so in tandem with the Seattle Pacific  community as students, faculty, and staff focus on the same weekly Scripture in Chapel, community Bible studies, and other weekly worship events.

Lectio readings for this quarter can be found here.  

house of prayer: part II.

Who: SPU's prayer ministry Relinquish

What:  House of Prayer (open for students to come and go as they please, with two-hour sets focused on either intercessory prayer or Scripture meditation). 


When:  Now on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm

Where:  Theology Graduate House (303 W. Dravus)

Contact: willim9@spu.edu with questions

march 1.

Text:  Matthew 24:1-25:46
 
Speaker:  Bonnie Brann, Executive Pastor, First Free Methodist Church

Big picture:  Throughout the book of Matthew we have become acquainted with the tensions between the kingdom of this world and the proclaimed kingdom of heaven. In these chapters Jesus asserts the coming fulfillment of his teaching and the ultimate failure of the current worldly systems. Therefore, through this hope in Christ we are able to live into God's promises in the midst of our current brokenness.

clothing drive.

Reminder: A group of SPU students has organized a clothing drive to benefit four Seattle-based homeless ministries. If you wish to make a donation, please bring new travel-size toiletries, tube socks, or men’s and women’s underwear to either Chapel or group this week!

Email spindler@spu.edu for more details.

february 22.

Text:  Matthew 21:1-23:39

Speaker:  Daniel Newby, M.Div., missionary and church consultant.


Fun fact:  Rev. Newby has done missionary work in Senegal, Gambia, Haiti, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Trinidad, and was the Conference Coordinator to States Cameroon!

Big picture:  The closer Jesus travels to Jerusalem, and to his death, the greater opposition he faces. With every sermon, Jesus further proclaims the responsibility that comes with understanding his teaching. By failing to follow the teachings set before us by Christ, we fail to take part in the community of God's people. Like Jesus' parables, understanding requires a proper response.

february 15.

Text:  Matthew 17:14-20:34
 
Speaker:  Richard Dahlstrom, senior pastor at Bethany Community Church (Fun fact: Bethany is listed as one of the fastest growing churches in America in 2009, according to Outreach Magazine).

Check out Richard's blog here and his two recently published books here.


Big picture: After reinforcing the importance of a community of faith, Jesus offers instruction on the life and work of this community. He expands upon the understanding of Torah and calls for a community of further humility, generosity, and forgiveness. For Jesus, Torah is not a set of rules but continually reshaping guidance for living into the kingdom of heaven.