John J. Collins is Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale Divinity School. He wrote an introductory book to the Hebrew Bible and in his chapter on Ruth he says “One of the great contributions of the Hebrew Bible to world literature lies in the development of prose fiction, specifically the novella, or short story.”
What a gift to be able to use story to impart values and priorities, hopes and visions on a people.
This Sunday we’ll explore the elements of story in the Book of Ruth, and how those elements can help us sink into our ongoing covenant relationship with God.
Over the last 18 months I’ve participated in a program led by the Moderator of the United Church called (Re)Generate. Earlier this year some of the participants were interviewed about their vision for the church. These ministers from across the country spoke with passion about their dreams for the church. It is from these dreams and visions that we place ourselves in God’s story. Please consider watching it (length 10:43): https://youtu.be/byz5dEHDBnk?feature=shared
At the end of the video the viewer is asked: what is your vision and dream for the United Church?
What is yours? What stories do you tell that incorporate your dream for the church; your dream for people 2000 years from now who will sink into our eternal, ongoing relationship with God because of the stories you tell today?
(if you want to share, I would love to hear your vision too: Julie.lees@highlandsunited.org)
See you Sunday,
Julie.
Minister’s Musing for July 11th 2024
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Ministers Musing