New Theological Seminary of the West

"The difference between right and left in the church is really faith in two different views of Jesusit’s wanting Jesus to be different than he actually was and is. One side sees him as a weapon to use against anyone who is different. The other side sees him as a harmless nice guysomeone who teaches nice things but doesn’t demand anything. When the truth is that Jesus came to redeem the whole world and draw all people together, and his only request is that we believe and tru...st that he is who he says he is, and that he’ll do what he promised to do." A reflection on Palm Sunday from NTSW President, Rev. John D'Elia.

Join us for the Pentateuch with Dr. Michael Woodcock beginning tonight. https://conta.cc/31byshc

Racial abuse is an affront to God, even when the people of faith fail to understand this truth. We stand behind, alongside, and at times in front of our Asian-American sisters and brothers as they suffer violence based on who God made them to be. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

My denominational tradition (PCUSA) uses multiple creeds and other teaching tools to define and nurture faith. This is one of my favorite quotes, from our Study Catechism. Question: How should I treat non-Christians and people of other religions? Answer: I should meet friendship with friendship, hostility with kindness, generosity with gratitude, persecution with forbearance, truth with agreement, and error with truth. I should express my faith by word and by deed. I should avoid compromising the truth on the one hand and being narrow-minded on the other. In short, I should welcome and accept these others in a way that honors and reflects the Lord's welcome and acceptance of me.

I am stunned, as you are, at the way events unfolded yesterday in Washington DC. Let me invite you pray this week--if you struggle for words, use these prompts: Pray for a peaceful resolution to the unrest. Pray for unity in our nation. Pray for elected leaders of both parties.... But mostly, pray that the season of Epiphany might draw us to Jesus in a new way, one that values the revelation of God over any human concerns or biases or hatreds. John A. D'Elia President

Some coverage from an event hosted by two NTSW stars--Mickey Fenn and Wayne Hopkins. https://www.theacorn.com/a/church-panel-delves-into-racism/

A brief meditation from Nadia Bolz-Weber. I do not know when we can gather together again in worship, Lord. So, for now I just ask that: When I sing along in my kitchen to each song on Stevie Wonder’s Songs in The Key of Life Album, that it be counted as praise.... And that when I read the news and my heart tightens in my chest, may it be counted as a Kyrie. And that when my eyes brighten in a smile behind my mask as I thank the cashier may it be counted as passing the peace. And that when I water my plants and wash my dishes and take a shower may it be counted as remembering my baptism. And that when the tears come and my shoulders shake and my breathing falters, may it be counted as prayer. And that when I stumble upon a Tabitha Brown video and hear her grace and love of you may it be counted as a hearing a homily. And that as I sit at that table in my apartment, and eat one more homemade meal, slowly, joyfully, with nothing else demanding my time or attention, may it be counted as communion. Amen.

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These are such troubled and frightening times. We at NTSW are committed to praying for our communities and the world--I'll offer a simple outline for prayer below. In the meantime, listen to the guidelines from local, state and national authorities--the only way to stop the spread of the Coronavirus is for all of us to do our part. In the meantime, here's an outline for prayer: For those affected by the virus. For the caregivers and researchers.... For those who are alone. For those who are afraid. For the witness of the church in this time of crisis. See more

This outline for prayer will work for the foreseeable future. Let us continue to pray: For those who are directly affected by the Coronavirus. For the caregivers and medical researchers.... For those who are alone. For those who are afraid. For the church and its witness in a troubled world. See more