A Template For Repair | Learning Guide

February 26th, 2023

10:15am I Facebook Live & Zoom

Watch last week's message here

Worship Lyrics

Title

A Template for Repair ​

Text

Lamentations 1 (NET)

Introduction:

We’ve all seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts, the kitschy “decor” - “Good vibes only” “No bad days” “Don’t worry, be happy” and the ubiquitous “Live, laugh, love”. These slogans proclaim the gospel of optimism and denial, allowing for the third, but darker part of this trinity of American folk religion - violence- to prosper unchecked.

Now before you write me off as a major kill-joy and purveyor of gloom, give me just a minute. I’m all for looking for the silver lining in things and enjoying life. You’ve heard me say time and time again that Joy should be the organizing emotion of the follower of Jesus.

But that has to coexist with a place where it is safe to be sad, to deal honestly and thoroughly with anger, disillusionment, loss and trauma. And that is the invitation of Lent. So let’s dig in, shall we?

Grace and peace y’all,

John Ray and the teaching team

Big Idea:

Lament is an invitation to deal honestly with loss, trauma, grief, sadness and frustration. It invites us into it so we might get through it.

Take Away:

We often repeat what we don’t repair. Remembering our loss and trauma, practicing repentance and lament are ways of allowing God the Holy Spirit to aid in our repair.

How does this fit with Belong, Become, Believe?

At Grace we practice staring in belonging in part as recognition we are all broken. We have all hurt and been hurt by others. All of us need a place to heal. This practice is formative to our becoming who we are created to be in Jesus and is informed and forms our beliefs.

Resources

• Resources for Lent

What's Next?

We are going to have a special gathering and presentation on the Sycamore building we purchased as a new place to meet!

Contact Grace Church NWA here