Book of the Year (other the Bible)
"Low Anthropology" by David Zahl
Join us in this community read for 2024! This isn't a homework assignment, but an invitation to something enriching. It offers a framework that is as the subtitle says, "the unlikely key to a gracious view of others (and yourself)." Zahl offers this framework he calls "low anthropology" which means viewing humanity - all of us - as actually not that great and why this starting point actually leads to a happier, healthier understanding of people and the world around us.
Join us for discussion sessions:
- Low anthropology: how it's Lutheran, and why you need it (Chapters 1,5,6) Thursday, April 4 - video on request - email Pastor Brett
- Low anthropology and relationships: how you view yourself, friends, partners (Chapters 2,3,4,7,8) Sunday, May 5, 11:15, in-person & Zoom here
Dates TBA: - Low anthropology and parenting: how it affected and affects us & - Low anthropology and politics (and surviving this election year)
From the publisher's description: "Many of us spend our days feeling like we're the only one with problems, while everyone else has their act together. But the sooner we realize that everyone struggles like we do, the sooner we can show grace to ourselves and others.
"In Low Anthropology, popular author and theologian David Zahl explores how our ideas about human nature influence our expectations in friendship, work, marriage, and politics. We all go through life with an "anthropology"--an idea about what humans are like, our potentials and our limitations. A high anthropology--thinking optimistically about human nature--can breed perfectionism, anxiety, burnout, loneliness, and resentment. Meanwhile, Zahl invites readers into a biblically rooted and surprisingly life-giving low anthropology, which fosters hope, deep connection with others, lasting love, vulnerability, compassion, and happiness.
"Zahl offers a liberating view of human nature, sin, and grace, showing why the good news of Christianity is both urgent and appealing. By embracing a more accurate view of human beings, readers will discover a true and lasting hope."
Basic Life Support/CPR Next Sunday, May 12
Next Sunday, 5/12 at 11:15 in the fellowship hall, our own Stef Melo Kaldany will offer B a session on BLS (basic life support) content that includes CPR, AED use, and general protocols for responding to someone in need. She'll share differences between adult and pediatric procedures, so parents and anyone interested is welcome to attend. Stef is about to start a residency in emergency medicine as an Air Force doctor, and is well qualified to share this info, but note that this is an informal education session and not a certification opportunity.
DC Pride w/fellow Lutherans!
Join fellow Metro DC Synod Lutherans in celebrating and sharing God's inclusive love during DC Pride. Find info here and register to attend an info session (5/19), our Lutheran presence in the Pride parade (6/8), and the Pride festival (6/9). As a Reconciling in Christ congregation committed to full inclusion and affirmation, we know that visible presence and representation is important. Speak with Pastor Brett if you have any questions or would like to help with our GLC efforts.
Little Lutherans and Sunday School
Attention parents and kids!
Little Lutherans (parents and birth to pre-K) and Sunday School (school age kids) is offered on the second Sunday of each month including May 12 at 9am, plus additional dates for special activities.
Click here to view our 2024 schedule (includes topics and special activity dates). Please also complete the parent survey (includes photo release permission) if you haven't already so that we can best support your child and family's faith together!
Study Guides & Resources
On our Read & Explore Faith page there are a few blog entries on various topics, which also point in the direction of further resources. We've also (just) started a Goodreads page to share reviews of different books - detail here.
Early in the summer we had two one-session topic studies - on topics which, given current events, our wider church has encouraged us to study our denomination's statements and faith perspective/resources on. Pastor Brett created a study guide for self study or learning more about each topic: Abortion and Community Violence.