Finding Our Way Home
 

In the present age, so many people feel alienated, from their families, from their places, even from their churches. In this new issue of the Cultivating Communities newsletter, we offer several articles loosely related to the theme of finding our way home. Above all, as Kristin Du Mez notes in a Lenten Reflection, what is the Gospel in which we are rooted, and how does it offer us sustenance for a life of faithfulness?

Cultivating Communities works alongside cohorts of churches that are in close-proximity to each other, providing resources and helping them discern what it might look like for their congregations and their places to flourish. Our first three cohorts (one in the mountains of East Tennessee, one on the west side of Chicago, and one in Indianapolis) are now underway.

(Learn more about our cohorts and 
the Cultivating Communities Learning Journey)

A Lenten Reflection from Kristin Du Mez. How is it that many Christians through the centuries, and even now, easily turn to the violence of the state in order to preserve their power and influence. Why are Christians afraid that someone will come and take away their faith? (via Substack )

How the church can serve society by changing the way it handles property. As many as 100,000 buildings and billions of dollars in church-owned property are expected to be sold or repurposed by 2030. With planning and thoughtful stewardship, those assets can continue to serve communities, says Mark Elsdon, the editor of the new book, “Gone for Good?” (via Faith & Leadership )

Poetry as Hospitality. If you think poetry us uninviting -- think again. Anna Friedrich offers a case for poetry -- writing it and reading it -- as hospitality. (via Common Good Magazine)  

The Poetry of Holy Week. Register now for this online conversation hosted by the Ekklesia Project, and facilitated by Brian Volck. Saturday March 23 at 12pm ET  (via The Ekklesia Project)