Life giving practices: Reflections

Dear Colleagues,

It was fantastic to be among you and learn from you about the joys and challenges of ministry and mission in the Oregon Synod. Thanks for all your kindnesses!

I appreciate reading about the life-giving practices in this thread of discussion. Clearly there are many other expressions of God's shalom in your midst.

One book I would recommend to all of you as a continuation of our discussion in January at the theological convocation is:

Chris Howson, A Just Church: 21st Century Liberation Theology in Action. New York: Continuum, 2011.

This is an exciting look at the practice of service and action in Bradford, England--a community that appears to have many of the characteristics of your context in Oregon: encounter with people of other religions and many with no religion at all. The book is more practical than theoretical. I think it can be for you a great resources for more reflection on life-giving practices, the practices of Shalom, the Kingdom of God.

I hold you in prayer for your Lenten journies. May the God of the cross and the resurrection in Jesus Christ lead us each to abundant life--in God, with one another, and as part of creation.

Shalom,   Craig Nessan

Wartburg Theological Seminary