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Hope, Justice, and Peace: An Advent Series
December 18, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
An event every week that begins at 7:00 pm on Monday, repeating until December 18, 2023
Advent as a path of listening for Spirit
Join Friends for an online adult religious education series exploring Advent — the time of expectant waiting before Christmas — with scripture, discussion, guided activities, music, prayers, and readings.
Each week, elements of the traditional Nativity story are lifted up through the lens of liberation theology and the participants’ hopes and leadings for peace and justice in the world.
December 4: Prophets in Darkness & Light
December 11: The Holy Work of Parenting: Whose child is this?
December 18: Unexpected Messengers and Visitors
Advent through the lens of justice and peace
The season of Advent, in preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, is not a traditional Quaker practice. It is part of the cycle of church liturgy that Friends left behind in separating from Anglican traditions. In not “keeping days” on religious holidays, Friends have underscored the holiness of each day, each moment, as we seek to be close to God and listen for how Spirit is speaking to us and guiding our lives. Perhaps, though, something has been lost in moving away from the rhythm of turning seasons and the Biblical tradition that runs through these times? This wondering, along with an interest in exploring Advent specifically through the lens of liberation theology, ground the development of this program.
Advent can also be a penitential season of reckoning with our needs and the needs of the world. The program will include resources offered to sustain the faith and practices of those who work for justice and peace. Space will be made for Friends to process both in small groups and with individual time to write, draw, or reflect inwardly.
A recommended resource for interested participants to read between program times is the Advent reader, Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers. The collaboratively-written devotional features diverse contributors: black, white, LGBTQ, Latinx, Palestinian, incarcerated, Native American, Australian, Americans, Irish, South African, clergy, laity, activists, authors, and organizers.
Registration:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvduusrjojGNaUOfPTz5gBBJgDB5aZYcuB
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meetings. You do not need to be able to attend all three sessions to register, and Friends are encouraged to attend as they are able.
Melinda Wenner Bradley, Director of Program and Religious Life, will facilitate the program. She frequently leads workshops and worship experiences for adult and intergenerational communities.
