Lenten Series: Finding Common Ground

It seems like people are polarized over pretty much everything these days, from politics to theology to sports to any other “team” or “tribal” loyalty. Differing positions, perspectives, and opinions are nothing new, and they can spur us to innovation, social change, and more holistic understanding. The problem is when we focus so much on our differences that we forget or ignore our commonalities.   

Centenary and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church are teaming up during Lent for a three-week series of conversations around finding common ground as Christians and being able to talk, work, and worship together despite our differences. The conversations will be on Zoom, Thursdays, March 4, 11, and 18, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Join Zoom Meeting: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83818454967?pwd=REhKbE5FY0dEcXZiMGNFbDhMT0ZWQT09
Meeting ID: 838 1845 4967
Passcode: 141472

Session 1 – March 4 – “Finding Common Ground”
We all want our children to be healthy and well-educated. We all want our nation to be strong and safe. We all want opportunities to experience happiness, to embrace life, and to enjoy freedom. Finding common ground is about recognizing our shared dreams and goals even if we differ on the means to achieve them. This session will focus on the universal elements that tie us together and motivate us to live in harmonious community. 

Session 2 – March 11 – “Entertaining Angels”
Jesus Christ lived a life of radical hospitality and service. He welcomed and loved all and calls us to do the same. This session will look at Christ’s call to welcome, love, and respect the dignity of every human being. We will also look at what welcoming, loving, and respecting doesn’t mean, so that we maintain healthy boundaries.  

Session 3 – March 18 – “Having Difficult Conversations”
Too often, our “civil discourse” can become highly uncivil. There are certain topics that stir up very strong feelings. Having honest AND respectful conversations around these topics is difficult. This week we will talk about the inner work as well as practical suggestions that will facilitate difficult conversations. We will also talk about having those difficult conversations within the Body of Christ, and why the church should be a safe place to talk about the hard things.