Amish Film Re-Do

Sunday we'll try again to gather with some Amish friends as we watch and discuss a 49-minute documentary entitled The Amish: How They Survive

Given the on-going national conversations about the complex intersections between religion and government, learning how the Amish traverse the issue of religious freedom is timely. In addition, the film explores why the Amish are thriving and provides an unprecedented look into the varied beliefs and lifestyles of the Amish. Much of the film's narration is provided by Amish people themselves (speaking off camera).

Discussion will be led by Neil and Karen. Our offering will be designated for the People/Plant Connection, and you are invited to bring more soup and other canned/boxed food for Project Dignidad.

New Orleans Style Gathering

Wednesday, February 22, is Ash Wednesday, which begins the religious season of Lent. But before Ash Wednesday is Fat Tuesday, or the culmination of Mardi Gras festival. The two seasons are integrally related (the ying and yang of the human condition) and are each more meaningful when understood together. Sunday night, we will engage both during worship. In honor of Mardi Gras' wonderful community feasting followed by the experience of fasting, our offering recipient is Wesley Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, since it offers a free hot lunch 6 days a week, enabling many to "feast" rather than go hungry. Our potluck theme is all things New Orleans; if you'd like suggestions and recipes from The Party itself, check out the "official" Mardi Gras site.

Many thanks to Ann and Crockett for helping co-plan and lead worship as well as Valerie and Roger for helping with the music. It's going to be a great night!

Gathering for Worship:
Sunday, 19 February
5:30 pm
618 Locust

Gathering with Amish Friends for Film Night

Sunday, 12 February 2012, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Now there's a curious mixture - films and Amish and The Gathering. What?

Have you ever considered the similarities between The Gathering and the Amish? Think about it: We are both communities based on deeply held faith perspectives; we appreciate and intentionally seek to develop community; we actively help our neighbors; we respect nature and want to live in harmony with our world; and we strive to be relevant and vital in 2012. Of course, we also have a few differences - beginning with the fact that the Amish, in their effort to be vital, live far outside the cultural mainstream, while The Gathering is absolutely in the middle of it. But here's the curiosity: the Amish's strict adherence to community conservative values is contributing to their doubling in size every year. During the last century, they grew from 5,000, inhabiting a handful of states, to 200,000, living in 25 states and one Canadian province.

Sunday night, we will more deeply engage with and get to know our Amish brothers and sisters as we watch and discuss a 49-minute documentary entitled The Amish: How They Survive.

Just as Christians, people in the United Church of Christ and people of "faith" cannot be categorized in one box, neither can the Amish; there is a great deal of variance among the group-as-a-whole. The film provides an unprecedented look into the varied beliefs and lifestyles of the Amish, and much of the film's narration is provided by Amish people themselves (speaking off camera).

Discussion will be led by Neil and Karen, and our offering will be designated for the People/Plant Connection. In addition, you are invited to bring more soup and other canned/boxed food for Project Dignidad.

Update: This event was postponed due to snow.