Preaching Grace
It’s tough to expect a surprise. Like trying to tickle yourself, it just doesn’t work. But you can be open to surprises. “We look at our Bibles, our friends, and even our enemies, and we think we know what we’ll find,” says the Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee, “but Jesus has a habit of showing up in ways and places we never expected.”
If we cultivate an openness to surprises, we can change the way we understand our faith. More than a Sunday Morning task, faith becomes an experience where every person and created thing we encounter can reveal something of God to us. We become more connected to the world; we notice our world. Our challenge becomes, what do we do when Jesus does show up? How do we respond?
During Friday’s presentation, “God in Our Personal Space,” Dr. Byassee will point to Jesus who led broad public discussions about ordinary things. Understanding Jesus as being concerned with the everydayness of our lives challenges us to wrestle with the knowledge that the reckless extent of God’s grace and mercy isn’t limited to just the religious parts of our lives. Jesus has a habit of showing up in ordinary moments, even in moments of burial and lament.
Saturday’s retreat, “How the Church Communicates in Life in Three Ways” will push us deeper into this idea. If Jesus is invested in the particular; not above the ordinary but behind it or in it, what does that mean for God’s work in our lives? What do we do with that? Dr. Byassee will lead us in a series of small talks, giving us space between those conversations to breathe, reflect, and imagine the risky, dangerous, and beautiful things God is calling us to.
On Sunday, Dr. Byassee will lead worship at Grace Presbyterian Church, giving us an opportunity to hear how his experience and understanding of scripture shape the way he preaches.
Join us at Preaching Grace on April 27 to 29, 2018.
2018 Agenda
Preaching Grace is three separate events gathered together in one weekend at Grace Presbyterian Church. You can attend any or all of the events. Please register for the Friday evening presentation and the Saturday retreat. There is no need to register for Sunday worship – just show up.
FREE Evening Lecture - God in Our Personal Space
Friday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. – Register to attend this free presentation where Dr. Byassee will speak about the beautiful and sometimes challenging ways Jesus shows up in our ordinary moments.
Conversation and Retreat - $75
Saturday, April 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. –What do we do when we’re surprised by Jesus? Saturday’s retreat is a chance reflect on God’s investment in the particular and consider how we might respond. Space is limited, register today!
Sunday Morning Sermon
Sunday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m. – Curious about what Dr. Byassee’s work looks like from across the pulpit? Join us at Grace Presbyterian Church to hear him lead worship on Sunday morning.
What is Preaching Grace?
Preaching Grace is an annual weekend that invites us to listen to, and learn from, sought-after preachers of the Christian community. Through three separate but related events, the weekend provides an opportunity to explore new and inspiring ways of making the scriptures accessible and relevant. This year’s speaker is also exploring how we can open ourselves to being surprised by the ongoing revelation of God in the people and world around us.
Since 2016, Preaching Grace has been a space for the community to gather, to make new friends, and to explore and deepen our faith. Whatever your denomination or religious affiliation you are welcome. Each of the events creates space for questions, conversation, or fellowship – opportunities to discuss what you’ve heard and share your own experiences.
What did last year’s attendees say?
- It’s Great to be stretched and have your eyes opened to new ways of reading scripture.
- Practical. Applicable. Enriching.
- Love hearing the alternate views. It was excellent, enjoyable and informative.
- The quality of speakers has been excellent; very inspiring people that caused me to think in new ways.
- It was inspiring, challenging, and thrilling. A great experience.
Sponsors
The Margaret and Robert Montgomery Fund joyfully provides for this event. The Montgomery Family have been long-time members of Grace and have a deep appreciation for excellence in preaching. Both Margaret and Robert experienced great preaching as a part of their spiritual formation and came to understand its power – both in the ministry of the church and in the lives of individuals and families.
The Montgomery family’s continued generosity allows us to keep this event affordable and accessible. We are profoundly grateful for their support.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about Preaching Grace, or about Grace Presbyterian Church, please don’t hesitate to ask. We can be reached by email at office@gracecalgary.org or by phone at 403-244-5861.
