As long summer days slowly change into brisk autumn evenings, thoughts often wander towards what might be next. The seasons are changing, and we consider change too. We want deeper relationships with God and with others. We want purpose and meaning, not just to binge-stream or doomscroll another day away. We want to be connected to Schweitzer Church, not just attend.
That is why I would like to introduce you to Next, an interactive, three-session introduction to the story of Schweitzer and how your story connects to the larger body of Christ. This opportunity is designed for new guests who want to know more about Schweitzer Church, curious explorers who are ready to dive deeper in their faith, and potential members who, as they say, might want to “put a ring on it.”
While their sequence is purposeful, each one is designed to stand alone, so you can attend in any order.
Schweitzer’s Story
September 8
Ever since God created man and told him to “subdue” the earth in Genesis 1:28 (from the Hebrew word kabash, which means to bring something under cultivation or management), mankind has been organizing into groups and creating systems. In this session, we will learn about the 75-year history of Schweitzer Church. We will learn about our Wesleyan theological distinctives, about our governance (how decisions are made), and about how we are connected to other churches in the larger body of Christ.
Our Story
October 13
Given our Western, individualistic, pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps culture, it is easy to understand following Jesus as an individual, personal decision that affects you. While it is certainly not less than that, Scripture teaches that it is so much more! In this session, we examine how we follow Jesus, both individually and as a group, through being rather than doing, our Discipleship Tree, and spiritual practices and rhythms.
Your Story
November 10
If something is sacred, it is holy or set apart for God. Whereas if something is secular, it is ordinary or everyday, not set apart for religious purposes. We live our lives with this great big sacred/secular divide. In this session, we will explore how we can feel our faith in our hands, not just in our heads; how (and what) work matters to God; lay empowerment; and your ministry opportunities at Schweitzer.
Sessions will meet in the Student Center from 6:30-8:00pm. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot here: https://schweitzer.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/category/108682