midrash at the city's gates

Midrash is a Hebrew term referring to the comparative method of exegesis of Biblical texts. Traditionally this exegesis was done through discussion and heated conversations about how to live the Biblical text. Often this discussion would happen in a semi-public forum at the city gates. the.river's community of faith is attempting to re-engage with this midrash type of gathering so that we can openly discuss contemporary issues and wonder out loud how does living the Jesus following life impact how we interact with the issues?
Questions: Is America a Christian nation? How does the Bible guide us in dealing with the idea of global warming? Can we know God deeper through secular media?
Interested in engaging in the conversation?
Our first gathering is coming soon!
Preparation: listen to two sermonos by Greg Boyd: "Taking Back America For God" & "The Difference Between The Two Kingdoms." These sermons can be found at http://www.whchurch.org/content/page_726.htm.
If you are interested in being part of the conversation please contact Joe Mule [j.j.mule@gmail.com].
Peace
p.b.

the.river's city gates

the.river is a new Christian church started in October 2006. We are a praying community that is trying to live the way of Jesus and help others start the journey.
Talking about faith, questions about faith or doubts about faith is an important way to "work out" how we live out the way of Jesus.
During the time of Jesus, the main place for this "talk" was sitting at the city gate. It was the watering hole of their day where people came to discuss the events of the day and look for advice on day to day matters. It was part of the community's culture to bring questions to the city gate and together work out the answer. It was the give and take of discussion that helped a person come to a decision.
This blog is the.river's city gate. A place to "sit" together and wonder about life's moments. A place to ask out of curiosity, ponder in humility and cultivate a faith worth living.
Enjoy.
pastor bruce dykstra
community coach
bruce@rivercrc.org
www.rivercrc.org

p.s. for "in the flesh" discussion, we meet in Sutton, MA at the Simonian Center For Early Learning [409 boston road] each Sunday at 10:oo AM.
p.b.