January 22nd through April 2nd (Lenten Series): “Witness at the Cross” (Hybrid format, 11:45am)
For this Lenten season, the Adult Learning Ministry Team will host a series of forums drawing on Amy-Jill Levine’s book Witness at the Cross. Her book considers the perspective of six different groups of people who, according to the Gospels, witnessed Jesus’s crucifixion (each forum will begin with a 10-12 minute video featuring Amy-Jill):
- Bystanders and Scoffers (January 22nd)
- The Other Victims (February 5th)
- The Soldiers (February 19th)
- The Beloved Disciple (March 5th)
- The Women (March 19th)
- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (April 2nd)
Here’s a brief description of the book from Abingdon Press/Cokesbury website:
“In Witness at the Cross, Amy-Jill Levine shows how the people at the cross each have distinct roles to play. Each Evangelist presents a distinct picture of the death of Jesus. Each portrays different individuals and groups of people at the cross, each offers different images and dialogues, and so from each, we learn how those meanings and messages cross the centuries to any who would come to the cross today.”
Many FCCSJ members will remember that when Amy-Jill visited our church as part of the United Disciples Fellowship’s lecture series on early Christianity, she was engaging, witty, and down-to-earth (she kicked off her shoes before she began). She writes like she talks. Here’s a blurb that appears on the back cover of the book:
“Amy-Jill Levine does it again! What I especially appreciate is how Levine doesn’t just explain the text, she lays out its richness by connecting it to history, other scripture, and social context. This book is substantive, funny, robust, and engaging, and I hope that churches take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best teachers and scholars alive.”
— Rev. Katie M. Ladd, Pastor, Queen Anne United Methodist Church/The Well, Seattle, WA
We will present the video and lead the discussion virtually (via Zoom), but like last time, there will also be a “watch party” in the Friendship Room, so people can participate on campus rather than driving home.
Zoom Meeting Information:
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Meeting ID: 843 4508 1989
Passcode: FORUM2023
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