Pastors

On the Beach of Possibility: Hope for the Future from Brethren Voices Pastors

Publisher Marketing: Twenty-three Church of the Brethren pastors and clergy responded to an invitation to submit a sermon or essay that might be considered theologically progressive. Ralph McFadden, the publisher, wrote: "I've listened to many excellent sermons over the years. And, of course, there are many I have not heard. I think it's time to share some of them with other thoughtful and progressive Brethren. With that, I am inviting you to contribute a "cutting-edge" sermon or reflection of your choice to an edited volume of sermons and essays contributed by Church of the Brethren pastors and other leaders. I anticipate that the sermons - or could be essays - would be on a variety of themes, including social justice, peace, inclusiveness, and the future of the church. What pressing contemporary societal and religious issues need to be faced head-on by progressive thinkers? Another way to think of this might be through questions like: What challenging sermon do I wish I could preach at Annual Conference? What sermon have I preached that was a little risky? What sermon do I believe reflects progressive, sound theological issues? What timeless essay or reflection have I written that I would like to share with others?" The writings in this book of sermons . . . "On the Beach of Possibility" . . . were the response of over twenty-five writers. The title "On the Beach of Possibility" comes from a poem by Martha Bartholomew. Martha, a spiritual director and poet, is a highly respected friend of many of us here in the Elgin area. She has a number of books of poetry. "On the Beach of Possibility" Have we been long enough in the belly of the whale, in darkness without light, Jonahs who would not, but then, like he, finding himself-finding ourselves spewed upon the Beach of Possibility near the suburbs of Nineveh, given - giving proclamation? or progeny of Moses, an early "Hell no! I will not go" near a bush afire with promise? "By Hand Unseen" 2011, pg. 72 Martha Bartholomew"