I Will Use My Voice! As we wrapped up our "Dear Paul" sermon series, Pastor Angela shares her thoughts on the misinterpretation of Paul's letter to a church in Corinth that has been used to justify the silencing of femme voices. If a woman is supposed to be silent in church, why did Jesus commission them to share the gospel repeatedly?
Read MoreI Will Use My Voice! As we wrapped up our "Dear Paul" sermon series, Pastor Angela shares her thoughts on the misinterpretation of Paul's letter to a church in Corinth that has been used to justify the silencing of femme voices. If a woman is supposed to be silent in church, why did Jesus commission them to share the gospel repeatedly?
Read MoreRev. Venida adds a unique twist to worship reimagined as she moderates the conversation with Forefront authors and special guest writers on the summer reading panel. They are Naima Coster, Anna Gilchrist, Diane Richards, and Dr. Mark G. Shrime. These featured authors share the impetus for their work, their writing as a sacred practice, and how their books can offer hope and carry messages of divine inspiration.
Read MoreContinuing our Dear Paul Series, Nytasha looks at Predestination and discusses the controversy regarding the interpretation and misuse of the scripture.
Read MoreAs we continue our Dear Paul, Sermon Series, Rev. Venida invites us to imagine a world where body shaming does not exist. Where we are free to move and make decisions about our bodies and lives without being hindered by others’ impressions or opinions of us. Where we are able to use our authentic voices, minds, and creativity to decolonize and free our bodies from self-sabotage and everything restricting us from experiencing liberation. A world where we truly love ourselves and others.
This sermon examines body image oppression, Scripture which may have led us here, and how we can break free of the chains, heal, and reclaim our bodies. What a world!
Read MoreForefront continued our series, Dear Paul: What’s Up with Excluding Queer Folks. Preaching Bootcamper, Jaim Zimmerman-Kent shared a powerful journey about what happens when your heart's truth clashes with what you've been taught. He reveals how his own path led him to better access peace and self-acceptance by rethinking everything he once knew.
Read MoreMary Obasi wrestles with Paul's writings on slavery—he wrote “there is no slave nor free in Christ”—but his words were used to justify slavery. Our sermon this week wrestles with Philemon, systems of control, and what it means to live like we’ve got siblings.
Read MoreJesus reveals and awakens us to radical visions of community. In the context of the Roman Empire, Jesus’s radical visions of community call his followers into conflict with the status quo. Preaching Bootcamper Em Slezak shows us how these awakenings push us to clarify, reconcile, and redefine kinship.
Read MoreThis Sunday marks a powerful collision of Pentecost, Shavuot, and Pride! Rev. Ben Dubow will lead us through Acts 8:26-39, exploring the Ethiopian Eunuch's story—a powerful symbol of radical inclusion.
In our series "Talk Bible to Me," we are discovering that seeing ourselves in the text reveals God's unconditional love for all identities. Whether LGBTQIA+ or anyone feeling marginalized, Jesus' example challenges us to erase divisions and embrace radical inclusion. Let's continue to find ourselves in the story and live out Christ's love!
Read MoreLeviticus is an odd book. It's simultaneously boring and filled with seemingly barbaric actions that we don't ascribe to today. But Leviticus is a super progressive book and is a blueprint for Forefront's continued mission and vision.
Read MoreRev. Venida invites us to make another stop along the Talk Bible to Me sermon series journey. This time with a focus on the Bible and wrath.
Read MoreRev. Venida continues the Talk Bible to Me Sermon Series in true Forefront fashion—by asking questions. She will delve into questions that many people have pondered and debated throughout generations: “Is the Bible Authoritative, Inspired or Inerrant?”
Read MoreOn Mother’s Day, Rev. Mira Sawlani flips the switch on mothering as she shares “Mothering New Futures.” In a world that threatens to destroy, mothering is sacred, justice-centered work. Inspired by Revelation 21:5—See, I am making all things new—this sermon calls the Church to be a womb for liberation, a midwife for hope, and a force for making all things new. Join us as we honor not only mothers but all who mother—those who nurture life, resist injustice, and co-create new futures with God.
Read MoreRev. Venida Rodman Jenkins (she/her)begins our new Talk Bible to Me sermon series with, “How Did We Get the Bible and How Do We Understand It?” She invites us to re-engage with this sacred text being open to its diverse interpretations and varied perspectives. Begin the journey with us as we consider how we might deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Bible's teachings.
Read MoreRev. Venida closes out the Book of Amos sermon series encouraging us to embrace A Defiant Hope.
Read MoreInspired by Amos, Kai Ngu gives a sermon on the age-old question, “Why do bad things happen?” Between the options of “chaos” (bad things just happen without a reason) or “purpose” (bad things happen for a reason), Kai proposes an additional way: mercy, or grace, as a good thing that happens without reason.
Read MoreRev. Venida continues the Book of Amos sermon series looking at how shifts and changes in our life can ultimately lead us where we are supposed to be as we use our God-given power to create change.
Read MoreJonathan Williams challenges our notion of Christianity. Is the way we worship really what God intends? Or are we complicit in a system of power that moves away from God and embraces an oppressive religious system?
Read MoreNytasha shares about how not only are our bodies created differently, but also our brains and personalities too -- and how seeing that our diversity in brains and personalities -- is a gift from God.
Read MoreA panel of congregants — share their experiences and interests in exploring multiple traditions (e.g. faiths, cultures), alongside their progressive Christianity, including Hinduism, Haitian Vodou, Judaism, Buddhism, Chinese ancestral rites, as well as indigenous, animistic practices. Can we hold multiplicity? Why do we want to do so? What tensions, strengths, and questions emerge?
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