First Church’s Progressive Christians Reading Group invites new and former participants to participate this fall as the group resumes reading and discussion of selected books.

The first selection is Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence by Diana Butler Bass. This group gathers online Thursdays, 1:00-2:15pm, beginning Sept. 7.

How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. 

In Freeing Jesus Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence.  Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.

Eleanor Nicholson will facilitate the discussion.

Interested? Email Bonnie Beckonchrist at bbeckonchrist@gmail.com  for the Zoom link. A copy of the book may be borrowed from the church office.