“Take Your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret the newspaper from your Bible.” Karl Barth

This quote was shared by one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century. Although how we receive our information has changed, the principle behind this quote remains the same. As Disciples of Christ, we turn to the Bible when we hear of current events and wonder how our faith speaks to such events. We study the stories found in the Bible, listening to where God is still speaking to us. We use the Word of God in our devotional practices, deepening our relationship with God and with one another. The Bible helps us to realize that it is not enough to speak words of justice, hope and love in our worship services without these same words transforming us in our daily lives.

At Midway Christian Church, we invite the Word of God to be our guide as we engage the world around us. We know that our faith is not separate from the rest of our lives. Rather, instead, our faith shapes everything we do and say. It shapes how we view the world. Our faith shapes how we interact with others. It shapes our understanding of who God is calling us to be as God’s hands here in this world. Our lives, our actions, our very character, as ones who are made in the image of God are called to reflect the vision of God’s Shalom come to fruition here and now for all of God’s people.

The practices of our worship service reflect this understanding, especially the sermons offered each week by our minister. To prepare the sermon, our minister studies the history and context of the chosen text for the week. She also engages in conversations with church members through the Theology Tuesday correspondence, draws upon her own experiences, and makes connections to current events happening in the wider culture, always listening for the world of love and grace God is bringing to our community of faith.  Topics for the sermons range from justice-making to telling bold and untold stories in our Bible. They also reflect the current church season as well, like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. The preparation for the sermons is never meant to be limited to a one-way conversation. It is a process which involves the whole community of faith.