TEN FOOT POLE Pastor A.J. Houseman

“Maybe that’s the real gift of the Spirit: to hear and discern God’s Good News.” Is Pentecost really just the disciples' graduation from disciple school? Or is it more like their “confirmation”? Where it’s really the beginning of the next chapter of their faith and ministry. All glitter ashes aside, Pastor A.J. and Pastor Joe dive into some Pentecost, graduation, new wine, and confirmation based conversation about Acts 2:1-21 for Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is linguistic diversity a curse from God or a gift?

2. What does Pentecost share with us about diversity?

3. We hear that God breaks down barriers. What is to prevent you (anyone) from hearing the good news?

4. When is change in our faith good? Or when should we push back at change?

5. As we discuss diversity of language and culture, what are church culture differences that are good?

Is Judas a bad guy? Why or why not?  Pastor Kyle and Pastor A.J. dive into all the possibilities and offer some grace for our faith’s biggest villain. Judas Iscariot is the guy who sells out Jesus, but he also was included as a chosen disciple.  What does it mean that Jesus chose him? Is it a mistake? Or is he just a part of the story because we need a villain? Let’s talk about it.  Pastor Kyle and Pastor A.J. dive into Acts 1:15-26 for Sunday, May 12, 2024. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think Judas is bad? Why or Why Not?

2. Is there a need to have a bad guy in the story of Jesus?

3. Who do we scapegoat in our faith?

4. The super hard question: who deserves grace?

5. Is there anyone outside of God’s grace?

6. What does it mean to “cloak them in our own honor” to you?

7. What does it mean that God chooses to partner with us? Even as flawed people that we are?

8. How does it reframe the story of Judas reco

Other Notes:

The Nonviolent Atonement - J. Denny Weaver https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Atonement-J-Denny-Weaver/dp/0802849083

Down the rabbit hole we go!  We finally found a topic that makes Pastor A.J. uncomfortable! What if Jesus’ last commandment to the disciples is not what it seems? What does that mean for us? Is there a Johannine "messianic secret commandment" that we missed? Does it mean anything to us a couple thousand years later? Join Pastor A.J. and Brother Ryan as we venture down the rabbit hole where things may not be what they seem, but maybe we still come out beloved and renewed on the other side.  This episode talks about John 15:9-17 for Sunday, May 5th, 2024.



Discussion Questions:

1. “I give you a new commandment that you love one another” or “I give you a new commandment in order that you love one another.”  Do you think this translation difference changes the meaning?

2. If it does change the meaning, what does that mean to you?

3. What does it mean to love as Jesus asks?

4. What does this commandment mean in light of Jesus fulfilling God’s commandments on our behalf?

5. How are we to live knowing that we cannot be perfect and that God will make up the difference no matter what?

6. What is the good news?



Other notes:


Greek text notes referenced by the Rev. D. Mark Davis: https://leftbehindandlovingit.blogspot.com/2015/05/in-order-that-you-love.html
Learn more about the Lutheran Franciscans at https://www.lutheranfranciscans.org/

Happy *almost* Mental Health Awareness Month! To kick off Mental Health Awareness month, Pastor A.J. shares part of the story of the prophet, Elijah.  Elijah experiences some trauma, burnout, depression, and some suicidal ideation.  It’s uncomfortable stuff. Frequently, the response to mental health from Christianity has been less than helpful.  Sometimes pastors act like psychiatrists and sometimes the “Christian” approach is just to pray more. This is not the divine response that Elijah receives.  Elijah is treated in mind, body, and spirit in his time of need.  Let’s dive into 1st Kings 19:1-18 and talk about what God may want for us to be happy and healthy.

Discussion Questions:

1. What have you been taught about mental health from your family?

2. What are your experiences of mental health conversations and the church?

3. What things would you like to learn more about during Mental Health Awareness Month?

4. What in the story of Elijah do you resonate with?

5. How do you feel God’s response to Elijah is helpful?

6. What does this tell us about God and God’s relationship with us?

Archivist and historians, Melinda and Andy, share a dark secret from St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charleston, South Carolina: St. Matthew's was an enslaver. Melinda and Andy dive into what we know and don't know about Alexander, his life, and work here. We talk about the implications of a church-owned slave. What does this mean for us today? Why is this important for us to talk about? Tune in for this 20-Foot-Pole episode of German church folk in the 1800s in the south.



(*acknowledgement: we are three white people talking about slavery and racism in an attempt to learn from our past to inform our future)



Discussion:

1. Does it suprise you that a Lutheran church (or church in general) owned a slave?

2. What are the implications of this kind of history?

3. What does it mean for us to be church in the wake of this revelation?

4. What do we do now?



Let us pray,

Gracious and merciful God, we repent of our sins of the institution of slavery, hatred, racism, and continued negligence to work for justice and peace for all of your children. We humbly ask your forgiveness and ask for courage and guidance to work towards this justice in our church, nation, and world today. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.



Recommended reading from Melinda and Andy:

My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem

This week Pastor Kelsey and Pastor A.J. dive into 1st John again.  We will discuss sin, who sins, who gets forgiveness, and what it all means.  We will look at different perspectives on sin and grace, and ultimately, find the good news in Jesus.  This episode talks about 1st John 3:1-7 for Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are experiences that you have had that have made you more compassionate towards others?

2. Do you think God desires us to be perfect? Or do you think God is looking for something else from us?

3. What is the good news? WHy does the good news set us free?

4. What will you do with this good news?