Table Of ContentSt. Aidan’s Belonging Study Guide April-May 2018 Page 1 of 56
Introduction to Belonging
The Easter Season begins with Easter Sunday and ends with the
Day of Pentecost, 50 days later. Pentecost is traditionally viewed
as the beginning of the Christian Church in the world with the
apostles speaking in many languages with “tongues of fire over
their heads” so that all could understand. All were welcome—
both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). In the past, some churches
used the day of Pentecost to welcome new members through
baptism, confirmation, or transfer of membership. Becoming a
full member of the church often included a pre-confirmation
series of classes in which newcomers could learn about the
history of the Christian church in a broad sense and the United
Church in particular and also become familiar with our
statements of faith and what we believe.
This year at Aidan’s, Rev. Cheryl invited the Worship Team to
create (with her wonderful help!!) a booklet that would help all of
us travel the distance between Easter and Pentecost while at the
same time, learning about our history and our faith. On the day of
Pentecost (this year it’s May 20th), we will have the opportunity to
re-affirm our baptismal vows, and those who have not yet
become formal members of St. Aidan’s will have the opportunity
to do so.
Belonging Discussion Groups will meet THREE times during the
journey; Mondays from 1:30-3 pm and 7-8:30 pm (April 30,
May 7, May 14). Sunday sermons will focus on the weekly
themes.
St. Aidan’s Belonging Study Guide April-May 2018 Page 2 of 56
We have called the booklet Belonging and the 6 weeks (36 days,
with a rest each Sabbath) will help us focus on just who and what
we belong to in our Christian faith. Peter Rollins, internationally
renowned philosopher, tells us that very often our journey of faith
begins with belonging, moves to behaving, and ends with
believing.
The weekly themes are God/Jesus/Spirit, the Bible, the Worldwide
Christian Fellowship, the United Church, St. Aidan’s, and the Gifts
of the Spirit.
We have used the United Church Song of Faith as the overarching
umbrella for the booklet. You will find a full text copy at the end
of this booklet.
In the centerfold, we have a Belonging Request Form to
complete if you are interested in joining St. Aidan’s through
Baptism, Confirmation or Transferring from another church.
As before, this resource is available on our web page, on
Facebook, and in print form.
Shalom and enjoy the journey!
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Week 1: God, Jesus, Spirit
Day 1: God
God is Holy Mystery, beyond complete knowledge, above
perfect description…
How do YOU think about God? Is God real like a toaster or like an
object in the world? Or is God real like love and freedom and
hope are real?
There are two different ways of thinking about God. The first way
says that we can use images to describe God. For example, God is
like a rock, a shield, a fortress. Or, God is like a father, a mother, a
friend, a king. Or, God is like water, fire, wind or light.
The opposite extreme in thinking about God is to say that God
can never be reduced to mere words. Reverent, loving silence
may be the most appropriate response to God.
How do YOU think about God?
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Day 2: God
We speak of God as one and triune: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. We also speak of God as Creator, Redeemer, and
Sustainer; God, Christ, and Spirit; Mother, Friend and
Comforter; Source of Life, Living Word, and Bond of Love…
How do you understand God being both One and Three? (Triune)
How would you explain it to someone else?
What place does the three in one God have in your faith?
Is trinity (triune) theory a problem or a blessing to your
understanding of God? Why?
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Day 3: Jesus
We sing of Jesus, a Jew, born to a woman in poverty in a time
of social upheaval and political oppression. He knew human
joy and sorrow. So filled with the Holy Spirit was he, that in
him people experienced the presence of God among them…
“Tell me the Stories of Jesus” is a heritage hymn that has stood
the test of time. When you think about Jesus, what story(ies)
pop(s) into your mind? What do they mean to you? What do they
call you to do? think? feel?
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Day 4: Jesus
We sing of Jesus raised from the dead…In Jesus’ life, teaching,
and self-offering, God empowers us to live in love…In Jesus’
resurrection, God overcomes death. Nothing separates us
from the love of God. The Risen Christ lives today, present to
us and the source of our hope…
At St. Aidan’s, we are on a journey of ‘learning to love like Jesus.’
In any situation we face, we can ask the question, what would
Jesus do? Can you recall and reflect on a difficult situation(s) you
faced where asking that question could have helped or because,
you asked that question, DID help?
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Day 5: Spirit
We sing of God the Spirit, who from the beginning has swept
over the face of creation, animating all energy and matter and
moving in the human heart. We sing of God the Spirit, faithful
and untamable, who is creatively and redemptively active in
the world…
Where do you see the Spirit active in the world? At St. Aidan’s? In
your life?
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Day 6: Spirit
We sing of the Spirit, who speaks our prayers of deepest
longing and enfolds our concerns and confessions,
transforming us and the world…
Offer in silence, or in written form, a prayer to the Spirit, speaking
of your deepest longings and concerns this day. You might like to
light a candle first, or put on some music that brings you to spirit
before offering your prayer.
I have a circular pottery friendship piece with room for a tea light
in the center that was given to me by my niece. When I want to
set the mood for talking to, or encountering the Spirit, I light the
candle and sit in a favourite chair nearby…
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Day 7: Sabbath – a time to rest, play and colour
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Description:Introduction to Belonging. The Easter Season begins with Easter Sunday and ends with the. Day of Pentecost, 50 days later. Pentecost is traditionally viewed as the beginning of the Christian Church in the world with the apostles speaking in many languages with “tongues of fire over their heads”
