Come watch this documentary at 1443 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL, 60608, at 7 p.m on Saturday April 28th.
The creator of the film, Maren Wickwire, will join us for a discussion afterwards.
Resurrection (Easter) Sunday
Come join us at 4:30 p.m. at 1443 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL, 60608, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the practical implications and reality this has for us today.
Also join us afterwards for dinner as we connect with each other. We’ll enjoy time with each other as well as find creative ways to love people around us and connect with the world around us. We believe that because of what Jesus did, celebrated always, we can have a living, meaningful connection with God and the people around us.
Creating Neighbors
A half-dead man; religious hypocrites; and an unexpected hero of a different race, a different spiritual journey, and a different country make up the characters in Jesus’ story in Luke 10:25-37. The story of the “Good Samaritan,” as it is often referred to as, would have been a shocking tale for an audience who would have, at the least, a distrust for Samaritans.
This story has been described, by at least one commentator, as one which defines “neighbor” as anyone whom we are willing to assist. The story goes beyond this. The Samaritan approached the half-dead man, bandaged him, treated his wounds, and transported him to an inn. There he shelled out two days wages for a complete stranger and stated his intent to cover anything additional.
The “Good Samaritan” didn’t just assist the half-dead man, he brought him back to life. What would have happened if he was left on the side of the road? The Samaritan looked this man in the eyes, felt his pain, created a plan, and exerted every bit of himself (strength, heart, mind, and soul) to help this man. This isn’t just being good to a person, this is establishing a relationship. This is creating a neighbor.
As we look at our community and all of our “neighbors,” some very different from us, whom we don’t know, God is speaking to us. God is calling us to to create neighbors. Jesus ends with some fitting words for us, “Go and do likewise.”
Different Time for February 5th – The Super Bowl
For this week only, we are moving up the gathering (service) from the usual time of 4:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This gives us the opportunity to connect, meet, and have fun with people who gather for an American cultural phenomena: the Superbowl.
We are a community of believers who understands that God has spoken through culture in the past and we don’t put it by God to speak in whatever circumstance and connect people through the strangest of situations. Why not the Superbowl? Invite a friend who may not usually come and there will be a party afterwards. Or if it this works out better, skip the gathering and just go to the party.
Rick Kuhr
773-540-5203
rick@nearwestvineyard.org
New Year’s Service – 2012
We’re gathering at our normal time this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at 1443 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL, 60607, to celebrate God and the new year. We’ll look at what it means for us today as we live out our lives in touch with a God who still communicates with us. You are welcome to come.
by spewkuhr
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