NEW SERIES — NEW TIME!

Sundays: 8:15-9:00am

April 11 – May 2 

A Crazy, Holy Grace

The Healing Power of Pain and Memory

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by Frederick Buechner

Contact: Kris Goorsky, Director of Christian Formation, kris@immanuelpc.org

INTRODUCTION

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Each of us experiences pain. That’s part of being human. Though time really does help to heal wounds, nothing can erase our memories. In the four-week study “A Crazy, Holy Grace”, by Frederick Buechner, we will learn about the healing power of those memories and about how to use past graces from God to close old wounds. Study questions and prompts, which are included for each of Buechner’s essays, will lead us into discussions about letting go, the power of hidden secrets, rising from the ruins, and listening for the quiet voice of God.
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INTRODUCTION VIDEO

CLASS SCHEDULE

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Session 1 – April 11

“The Gates of Pain“

In this session, Michael Poteet discusses how Buechner models engaging the Bible with our full range of emotions and how God can bring value our of our pain. This session features a clip from Buechner’s sermon “The Stewardship of Pain” where he discusses the parable of the talents and how pain can transform into healing.
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Session 2 – April 18

“A Crazy, Holy Grace“

In this session titled “A Crazy, Holy Grace”, Michael Poteet explores the way Buechner’s theme of God speaking to us through the event in our lives. This session features a clip from Buechner’s sermon “What It Means to Grow Up” where Buechner discusses what we are called to be in this present moment.
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Session 3 – April 25

“The Magical Room of Memory“

In this session titled “The Magical Room of Mystery”, Michael Poteet discusses how Buechner uses memory and imagination to hear God’s voice and how we can do the same. This session features a clip from his sermon “What It Means to Grow Up” where Buechner explores how God’s voice is present in the individual moments of our lives.
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Session 4 – May 2

“The Struggle and Hope of Memory“

In this session titled “The Struggle and Hope of Memory”, Michael Poteet discusses Buechner’s exploration of doubt and hope through the lens of grief and personal loss. This session features a clip from his sermon “A Moment of Grace” where Buechner talks about a moment of unexpected grace from the life of Maya Angelou.