Would you come and spend time this summer with Madeline and me at The Shack? We'll be there in June and July and hope you join us -- for another "Sizzling Summer Sermon Series."
Have you read "The Shack?" It is a most interesting book, a nation-wide, best-selling religious novel. The author, William Young, has stirred up so many people, drawn them to God, helped heal their grief, given them a sense of the goodness of God, or caused them to howl "blasphemy!"
His main character struggles with a question that stirs many of us, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain." The novel takes the character and readers into some marvelous and profound discussion of theology. His "talking about God" covers so many issues: the very nature of God, the nature of human freedom, salvation, the nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, forgiveness and on and on. These issues are ones our Christian family has struggled with and given witness to since the Pentecost.
Have you read "The Shack?" If you have, read it again during these weeks ahead. If you haven't, I'd encourage you to find a copy and read. If you have a computer connected to the Internet you'll find many introductions or reviews. Wikipedia has a good introduction worth looking for at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shack.
Madeline and I will not be "preaching The Shack." We'll simply enter into a conversation with Brother Young, with others in "The Family" who have reflected on these same issues in centuries past, and invite you to consider the shape of your own faith.
I have enjoyed my own reading of this small novel. Discussions with others have been provocative. The book just invites a sharing, a struggling, and a re-thinking of one's beliefs. It sends one into Scripture to ponder the revelations there. Perhaps, more than listening to our sermons, you would like to join in a discussion as well. To this end, I'll invite you to lunch each week. I'll host a "talk back time" each week, with a "bring your own lunch" plan. We will meet in Room 111 in the Worship/Education Center.
We are looking forward to this time at The Shack. I'll pray you join us for some marvelous reflections on The Word and this interesting novel.
Grace and peace,
Bill Henderson
