Themes
2010 Themes
ALIVE NOW: Growing Together in Faith
Alive Now is a devotional magazine that seeks to nourish those who are hungry for a sacred way of living in the world. Our themes celebrate the Christian year, reflect on contemporary issues from a faith perspective, and nurture an embodied spirituality for individuals and groups.
January/February • Due 06/01/09
Shaping Community
As Christian disciples, we live our lives, both individually and together, in obedience to a vision of wholeness recognized primarily through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Zechariah recognized the community’s need, God’s provision of a Messiah, and his role in proclaiming the Word (Luke 1:67-79). We will examine our role in community through: (1) Jesus’ Kingdom of God; (2) Our obedience and personal witness; (3) Challenges of poverty and racism; and (4) Our accountability to God and community for peace and justice.
March/April • Due 08/01/09
Speaking Truth to Power
Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem resulted in his arrest and execution. Twice in the course of his trial, to the Sanhedrin and then again to Pilate, Jesus speaks words that the leaders either do not want or are not prepared to hear. Indeed the Bible is filled with examples when following God’s will involves challenging those in authority with the harsh reality of truth. In this Lenten issue of Alive Now, we will explore the topic of speaking the truth to power: (1) Hearing the Word of God through Scriptures, creation, and others; (2) Speaking to power; (3) Living in God’s love; and (4) Taking action for peace and justice.
May/June • Due 10/01/09
Spiritual Discernment
By invitation only.
July/August • Due 12/01/09
Spiritual Friendship
Grace opens the door to our spiritual friendship with Jesus, with God, and with one another. Careful tending on our part helps the friendships to grow. Gifts from scripture, Tradition, and Christian community us nurture our spiritual friendships for the sake of the world. In this issue we will look at God’s yearning for humankind; (2) Christ’s yearning for the Kingdom of God; (3) Our yearning for God; (4) Our working with others for peace with justice.