And the winners are…

Our 12 Scriptures have been finalized.  Thanks to all who submitted lists, and to the group that helped collect, group, tally, and discern (it’s not as easy as it may seem).  The list of the “Troubling 6” is still being worked on.

I’ve listed the 12 Scriptures below in the order in which we’ll focus on them this summer.  You’ll notice I’ve grouped them in five themes, although there are, of course, plenty of overlaps.  Here are some other observations:

+ There are three Hebrew Scriptures and nine from the New Testament

+ Each of the Gospels is represented, and Paul (surprisingly?) makes a strong showing.

+ There is one that is just one verse, and four that are whole chapters.

+ The underlined themes are my own imposition on the 12 Scriptures, but highlight some of the key values and theological emphases that this congregation has.

+ There is a nice balance between Divine grace and human responsibility.

+ The most often submitted passage, by far, was the Beatitudes of Matthew 5.   

The Beauty of Being

Genesis 1  God spoke, and it was good

John 1:1-5,14  The Word became flesh

The Primacy of Love

1 John 4:7-21  God is love. No fear in love.

Mark 12:28-34  Great Commandment/s. Love the Lord.  Love neighbor as self. 

1 Corinthians 13  We know in part.  Love never fails   

The Cry of Justice

Micah 6:8  Do justice.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly.

Luke 1:46-55  God has looked with favor on the lowliness of God’s servant.  

The Call of Discipleship

Romans 12  Be transformed.  Overcome evil with good.   

Philippians 2:1-11  Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus

Matthew 5:1-17  Blessed are the…  

The Shelter of the Divine   

Psalm 121  I lift up my eyes…The Lord is your protector

Romans 8:35-39  Nothing can separate us from Christ’s love