Seekers Church joins the call for permanent peace and enduring justice in Palestine, Lebanon, and Israel
As Christians, and embracing the Seekers commitment to “work for the end of all war, both public and private,” we deeply grieve the enormous loss of lives in Palestine, Lebanon, and Israel which has escalated since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. We know the roots of this conflict are deep and complex, and cannot be divorced from the long history of antisemitism and attacks against Jews, from the displacement and oppression of Palestinians, or from thousands of years of history that tie both peoples to this land.
However, we cannot stand by in silence while our government provides military aid that is victimizing civilians in Palestine and Lebanon on a massive scale. To that end, we call upon the government of the United States to suspend financial and tactical support for the Israeli military until Israel respects international law regarding the protection of civilians.
Seekers Art Gallery presents “One Stitch at a Time” by Lois Kramer
Opening Reception Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
September 29 Service and Community Conversation
On September 29, 2024, we’ll deviate a bit from our regular worship pattern in order to accommodate an all-community discussion of the Israel/Hamas war and related Israeli/Palestinian relationships.
That conversation will be facilitated by Aaron Shneyer and Nizar Farsakh. Aaron is a Takoma, D.C., resident, activist and musician, and leader of the American chapter of Standing Together. Nizar is a Palestinian-American political analyst with extensive experience in the Israel-Palestine conflict as well as U.S. Middle East policy. Both are committed to bridging barriers and bringing communities together.
The in-person conversation will begin immediately after a slightly abbreviated worship (we hope this prayerful exploration will be more an extension of worship) and we hope that all will stay for it. We anticipate that folks on Zoom will be able to hear Aaron’s and Nizar’s opening presentations, but the Zoom limitations will not enable the folks on line to participate in the conversation. Accordingly, if at all possible, we encourage you to join us in-person on the 29th. Light refreshments will be offered.
All of us have struggled with the grief, anger, passion and complexity of these past 11 months of violence. Numerous resources are available concerning the conflict. In preparation for our conversation on the 29th, we encourage Seekers to check out these few resources:
· “Wrestling Jerusalem” – you can watch this 93 minute movie on several platforms: for free (with ads) at Tubi or Amazon Prime (Freevee) or without ads on Apple TV for $2.99. We urge particular attention to the first 6 ½ minutes;
· Israeli–Palestinian conflict; Wikipedia – extensive with multiple options for additional resources;
· Additionally, recommended by Aaron and Nizar – The Telos Group and Standing Together.
On behalf of REJMT (Peter, Erica, Dave, Lucy, John, Jeanne, Sallie, Paul and Trish)
Seekers Art Gallery 2024 presents “Who Cares?” by Patricia Dubroof
Opening Reception: Sunday, September 8, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Seekers Church is pleased to host a show by Patricia Dubroof, a creative aging specialist. Dubroof’s “Who Cares?” series honors caregivers and their gracious generosity as they support the community.
School of Christian Growth, Fall, 2024
The School for Christian Growth is happy to offer two new six-week classes beginning on Tuesday, September 10. They are Spiritual Journaling, led by Peter Bankson and Joan Dodge and An Unholy Trinity: Sin, Salvation, and the Afterlife, led by Marjory Bankson and John Morris.
AN UNHOLY TRINITY: Sin, Salvation & the Afterlife
In Person: Tuesday nights, Sept 10-Oct 15
- What does salvation mean?
- What were you taught about “being saved”?
- Saved from what? For what?
- And how do we understand these words — sin, salvation and the afterlife — today?
Bring your questions, imagination and creativity to this in-person class for a lively exploration of your theological worldview and why that matters.
We will meet in person beginning with a simple meal together at 6:30 and class at 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Led by Marjory Bankson and John Morris.
SPIRITUALJOURNALING: A Journey of Self Discovery & Knowing God with Others
On Zoom: Tuesday nights, Sept 10-Oct 15
Keeping a spiritual journal is one of the practices that can help us on a path to deepen our spiritual life, become more aware of ourselves, be more open to God and better able to hear God’s love and transforming Word for us and the wider world. We will explore these questions:
- Are there journaling practices that can help me discover and grow beyond my blind spots?
- Can I trust in God’s transforming power and loving presence to help me know my genuine self?
- How can I start or re-start this practice and stay energized to continue writing over time?
We will meet on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. You’ll receive an email with the link on Tuesday 9/10 afternoon.
Led by Joan Dodge and Peter Bankson.