Many progressive Christians were introduced to Bishop Yevette Flunder by the Living the Questions interactive dvd series. She is a phenomenal preachers whose extraordinary gifts have the power to shake us out of our safe, comfortable, ways of being church. As we at Holy Cross Lutheran continue our ReVisioning process, Flunder’s sermon to the community at Drew Theological Seminary (2012) reminds me that there’s a whole lot of shaking going on in and around the church. Which begs the questions: What needs to continue to stand? and What needs a good shaking to make it fall down to make room for something else? Flunder’s sermon sent me back to the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, (16:23-28) to review the story that inspired her powerful images. There I noticed for the first time a line which has previously eluded me. Following the shaking of the great earthquake, Paul and Silas’ jailer presumes that they have fled the scene. But the Apostle Paul shouts: “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all still here!.” Despite the shake up of christianity which progressive and evolutionary thinkers are championing: Don’t worry! We’re all still here!” Some of our great monuments have fallen and more will follow suit. But they give way so that something new can be born. Sounds like resurrection to me!
Hi Dawn, Thanks for introducing us to Yvette Flunder! She is wonderful!!! She would be a good speaker for the Speaker Series!! I look forward to reading her ACTS 16-28 (even though I have never really cared for the so called book of The Acts of the Apostles). Dianne and I regret we cannot be in Holy Cross for Advent 1 (my favourite Sunday and my favourite season). We are well but have commitments and obligaitons etc. We trust you and Carol are A-OK and taking care of eachother. Thanks again for your blog and all the good stuff you put on it! Much love to both of you from both of us, Jon and DianneWill there be any group purchases of Acts 16-28?