August Worship Services – 10am – Hybrid

August 7th – “It’s not Christians, but Christian Nationalism.”
This subject grows out of the combining of nationalism with the myth that the United States is a Christian nation. Some politicians believe that the two go together, they are getting tired of this separation of church and state stuff. We will consider some of the facts that were present in the founding of the colonies and others present by the time of establishing the new nation. Chris Kratzer is a former evangelical minister who declares that Jesus can’t be nationalized. He has some insights worth considering as we claim our voices as a faith community that knows the difference between patriotic Christians and “Christian” patriotism.

August 14th – “It’s not heterosexuals, but Homophobia.”
Homophobia has resurfaced yet again and has put targets on the backs of LGBTQ+ individuals and public schools where teachers and education employees have been on the receiving end of harsh allegations. Some militia groups have interrupted Pride month activities in public libraries and parades. Frequently the idea of protecting children is used as justification for such Anti-LGBTQ+ behavior. Appeals to biblical teachings are made without explanation. We will consider how we as a faith community can continue to speak out against such and work for fair and just laws and protections for all who are the victims of these kinds of threats. We will explore both theology and context for offering a different way and path that welcomes all.

August 21st – “It’s not men, but Patriarchy and Misogyny.”
Through the centuries Patriarchy, often accompanied by misogyny, has played a leading role in western religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). Jesus rejected the idea that faithful leadership in communities should rest with only men. He consistently violated the norms of his day and included both women and men in his call to follow him. While we are moving toward equity in some aspects of society, the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe has challenged personal autonomy for healthcare decision making for women of child bearing age. The efforts to ban access to abortion care are led by men believing that they are capable of making such decisions for women. To ensure compliance, those who seek and those who provide abortion care are threatened with criminal prosecution. So how do the teachings of faith address these issues? What about Kansas??

August 28th – “It’s Not whites, but White Supremacy and Racism.”
At the root of these oppressive systems rests the abomination of white supremacy. The undergirding beliefs of white supremacy drive the injustices imposed on indigenous peoples, slaves, immigrants, persons of color, LGBTQ+ and anyone else identified as an enemy of the supremacists. White Supremacists target efforts to combat climate change for they believe they are to exercise dominion over the earth. Often White Supremacy hides behind the cross of Christianity and waves Christian flags as they seek to justify their brutality in the name of God. Our faith calls us to give witness to better ways of justice, love and care for those who are disenfranchised by white supremacy. Jesus rejected such hate and we are called to do the same today. We will explore how we as a faith community can change the dynamics of such systemic oppression.