August 9 – Sacred Space: Imagining God’s Kingdom

If you had to put words to it, how would you describe God’s Kingdom? Jesus himself seemed to have trouble describing it as just one thing, so he used many images. In Matthew 13, he describes it as like yeast mixed with flour until it is leavened; or like treasure hidden in a field; or like finding a pearl of great value; or like throwing a net into the sea and catching fish of every kind… We still can’t put a finger on the exact nature of the Kingdom of God, but we get the idea that it involves abundance, surprise, things coming to fruition…  

This Sunday, we engage in the fifth of our series on “Sacred Space,” this week, exploring the idea of “Imagining God’s Kingdom.” Because the nature of God’s Kingdom is so elusive, our service will reflect that, taking the shape of readings interspersed with beautiful music.

That beautiful music will be supplied by Charlie Bell (saxophone, clarinet) and Jack McFadden (double bass), musical guests who will be travelling all the way from Southampton! Charlie directed the “Stardust Big Band” for 25 years. Jack played for the National Ballet and was a member of the pit orchestra at the Royal Alex in Toronto. Gwen Chapman and M.E. Kish will serve as music worship leaders. An embarrassment of riches!

Between now and then, read Mathew 13:31-33, 44-48 and ponder the following:

1.       How would you describe the Kingdom of God?

2.       Why do you think Jesus uses so many images to describe God’s Kingdom?

Image: Vincent Van Gogh, “Wheatfield with Crows,” from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt University Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.