Fruits of the Spirit IV: “What Is To Prevent Me?” Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
This week we will be at Herdklotz Park for Worship and Picnic
We will gather at Herdklotz Park (126 Beverly Rd, Greenville, SC, 20609) for worship at 10:30AM. Bring a folding chair to sit on, and a dish to share for the picnic lunch afterward. We will not be printing many bulletins, but will be projecting and will have a QR Code available for a digital version of the bulletin (link —> ).
Sermon Notes
This month we have been considering the possibilities of queer readings of our scripture. We have considered hundreds of years of rabbinic questioning, modern scholarship, and longstanding reflections. The texts so far have been from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), and these interpretations have been just that, possibilities of interpreting these stories through a queer lens.
This week we move into a story from the New Testament, and consider how the gospel changes these possibilities. We are also moving beyond interpretive conjecture to an individual that is positively and intentionally identified as a gendered ‘other.’ We will see how the author of Acts commends the inclusion of this person despite their differences in ethnicity and gender conformity.
Questions to Consider
– Have you encountered someone who’s gender identity was outside of your expectations?
-What was your initial reaction?
-Did that change after you got to know them?
-How did their life experiences challenge your preconceptions?
-If you have not had a meaningful encounter or conversation with someone outside of your gendered assumptions, why?
-What valuable lessons can we learn from our siblings who are queer and Christian?
