Two stories today on the irreplaceable value of community - both from the Gospel of Luke. The first is a banquet with some unique invitees, after a first round of refusals. Which begs the question: what are we being invited to, now? And, knowing it doesn't last, can we value the richness of what's in front of us?

The second story celebrates a paralyzed man and his determined, supportive, creative, roof-breaking, rule-breaking friends, who will not stop until they get this man the help he needs. Jesus admires their faith - and this week we, too, will celebrate the good news of those facing similar challenges with courage and strength, the love and support of their families, and the compassion and creativity of their communities.

There's a lot of overlap this week between our two threads, as Aaron tackles stories of hunger, bread, and justice, and Paige explores harvest, gathering and community. And of course, holding it all together, is the theology of Communion...that we are inherently connected, that there is abundance when we share, and that we are empowered by the God of liberation. This week is a reminder that there is Good/God in this world, and that we can be a part of that.

Two different Fall Series, two different (very different) scripture passages, but a lot in common this week, as we explore the threads that run throughout our passage from Matthew and then Galatians. There we find core ideas about authority, identity, and community, and how these things come together in the Christian project. It's a bit messy, but then real life is. Dive in with us, and see what we can discover together.