What do a 7th Century BCE prophet, a mid-1st Century CE apologist, and a late-1st Century evangelist have in common — and more importantly, what could they possibly have in common with us today in 2022? 

More than we might think, it turns out. In all three cases (from Isaiah 16, Ephesians 3, and Luke 3, respectively), the authors are struggling with the idea of group identity, raising questions such as:

— What is required in order to be part of the in group?
— What is required of those on the inside once they get there?
— What happens to the in group if there is no out group against which they can define themselves?
—  How does the in group expand without losing its core values?
— Are there ever any boundaries? If so, how are they established?
— Does a changed future erase the sacred past?
— But what if we are just honestly, genuinely afraid?
— Where (and Who? and How?) is God in all this?

 Pastor Dave will attempt to interact with that and more this Sunday, January 30th, in his sermon, “Baleful Belonging?”

 All are welcome as we worship together Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in person and online via our Woodridge UMC YouTube channel.