Peace United

FCC Santa Cruz

JESUS, POVERTY & EMPIRE

OCCUPY EVERYTHING!

What did Jesus have to say about economic inequality, economic justice and the coming of God's kingdom?   

Does his message ring true in our own divided economy?  What might we do about it?  What kinds of personal and political commitment translate into justice for all?

Join us for a weekend workshop exploring the urgent economic message of Jesus' teaching and life story.

LED BY: Led by Ched Myers and Elaine Enns of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries

WHEN:     Friday, March 9, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm & Saturday, March 10, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE:   First Congregational Church (900 High Street, Santa Cruz)

WHO: Christians and other curious friends, activists for peace and justice, and students interested in the historical study of Jesus' ministry.

Since its founding in 1998, Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries has been committed to building capacity around connecting faith to political and personal issues of economic justice.  Led by Ched Myers and Elaine Enns, they've developed an approach they call "Sabbath Economics," a phrase they use as shorthand for the biblical vision of "enough for all."

How did Jesus translate spiritual vision into a concrete political commitment to ECONOMIC JUSTICE?  How did Jesus ENGAGE AND RESIST EMPIRE in his own time--and how did he encourage the faithful in its shadows?  What might ENOUGH FOR ALL look like in our own 21st century?

At the center of this approach is the practice of 'relectura': a re-reading of the Bible in light of concrete struggles against violence and oppression past and present.  Ched and Elaine believe that the Judeo-Christian tradition of sacred story is older and deeper and wiser than we are, and that it has the power to transform our lives and our history--but only if we can overcome its domestication under the dominant culture of empire.

Our churches--conservative and liberal alike--are often inhospitable to the gospel's invitation to the cross, to solidarity with the least, and to Sabbath Economics.  Our task is, then, to rebuild a literacy in which the Word and world are brought to bear on each other at every turn.

Ched and Elaine are gifted scholars, teachers and theological guides.  They have a special heart and gift with teens and young adults.  Bring your youth, make an effort to encourage young adults.  The topic is timely, the time for learning and acting is now!

REGISTER NOW BY CALLING FCC @ 426-2010...Registration for the whole event is $65 and includes lunch on Saturday...Special scholarships are available for students.

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OCCUPY JESUS!

JESUS, POVERTY & EMPIRE
How did Jesus speak to economic injustice?  What kinds of action did he take in the face of inequality and social unrest?  Join us for a dynamic two-day seminar with Ched Myers and Elaine Enns as we explore economic crisis and the practice of Jesus.