In a season of so much violence and bitter division in our world and country, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the darkness. Or cynical. Or numb. Or angry. Or complicit. How do followers of Christ resist the “fight or flight” temptation, and instead join God in what God is already doing to unleash light and justice…making all things new? Is this kind of redemptive life even possible anymore?

This fall at The Practice, we return to the opening of Jesus Christ’s most famous sermon: The Beatitudes.  These nine statements introduce an alternative vision of life under God’s care and presence. They offer a stark contrast to conventional assumptions, and are deeply contrary to our systems of power. The Way of Jesus is the hope of the world.

The Beatitudes, however, are not just ideas to be believed, but a pathway to walk. So we’ve committed the next three months to learn how to put them into practice in our actual lives. We don’t just want to believe that Jesus was correct; we want to follow him into these nine redemptive ways of being–for the sake of the world.

Would you join us?

Thankfully, the journey has been shaped by the vision and wisdom of our friend Mark Scandrette. You all know that Mark has been hugely influential on The Practice community, and he’s been working on a Beatitudes project called Nine Beats for the last couple years. Through this deep dive, Mark has uncovered powerful insights and fresh practices that will help us flesh out Christ’s historic teaching. Here’s his short introduction…

We’re thrilled that Mark will be at The Practice this Sunday, September 11th, to launch us into the fall. 6pm in the Willow Chapel. This is the big picture invitation, so please don’t miss it!  Practice Kids will be available every Sunday night this fall for children up to 5th grade.

9/11 Vision and Invitation (with Mark Scandrette)
9/18 Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
9/25 Blessed are those who Mourn
[10/2] off
10/9 Blessed are the Meek
10/16 Blessed are those who Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness
10/23 Blessed are the Merciful
[10/30] off
11/6 Blessed are the Pure in Heart
11/13 Blessed are the Peacemakers
11/20 Blessed are those who are Persecuted for Christ
[11/27] off

December: Advent

 

Grace and peace,
Aaron and The Practice Team