To imitate Christ...

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams

9/3/17

Description:In which Molly leads a dialogue about the first vow of our "Minister's Liturgy," a series of vows or promises that many of us take to indicate our intent to live in beloved community together. This first vow is "to imitate Christ in thought, word, deed, and affection." This promise is explored in light of our framing question for the series, "what would we do if we were not afraid?" Music is by Mark, and features songs by Rebekka Karijord, Rich Mullins, Mark Heard, Ben Kyle, and John Mayer.

Fear(less)

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams & Casey Toll

8/27/17

Description:In which Molly launches our Fall series on fear, with the prompting question, "What would we do if we weren't afraid?" Our text is from the story of Moses being discovered as an infant by the Pharaoh's daughter. We also say farewell to the Rens family. Music is brought to you by Mark and Casey, and includes songs by Over the Rhine, Jason Harrod, Steven Foster, Julie Miller, and a traditional tune.

Litany for New Space

Ben Haas, Molly Wummett, and Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams, Tim Carless, and Dale Baker

8/20/17

Description:In which the community of Emmaus Way looks forward in hope and thanksgiving. Part of this is hosting an extended time of community reflection. Music includes songs by Alice Gerrard, Sam Phillips, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, and Brian Wilson.

Space and Community

Molly Brummett-Wudel & Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams

8/13/17

Description:In our final night as a community meeting in the Reality Center in Durham, NC, we ask ourselves the following four questions: 1. How do we want to enter our new space? 2. How might we enter that space well? 3. How do we want space to impact who/what we are? 4. What kind of space do we want to be? Musically, Mark leads us in two longstanding Emmaus Way favorites: "Mission of My Soul," by Peter Himmelman, and "Peace," by Rich Mullins.

'Seeing' the Story from 'Here' & 'There'

Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams, Lydia Kinton, Charles Cleaver, Casey Toll, & Dan Hall

8/6/17

Description:In which Tim leads us through our penultimate gathering at the Reality Center to dialog about geography. What does it mean to publicly meet where we do? What kinds of dialog might arise in one location versus another? How might our eyes see differently based upon where we locate ourselves geographically?

Alchemy: The Movement of the Wind

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Sus Long & Mark Williams

7/30/17

Description:In which Molly closes out our sereis on "Alchemy" by examining "wind" (or perhaps "spirit"). Wind may be the most elusive of all the elements we've discussed this summer, and it lends itself to a fascinating dialogue. Sus Long offers up music by Hiss Golden Messenger, Gregory Alan Isakov, Bob Dylan, and two hymns (Holy, Holy, Holy and Breathe On Me, Breath of God).

Alchemy: Tongue Stones & Pillow Stones

Rhody Mastin / Music: Mark Williams & Lydia Kinton

7/23/17

Description:In which Rhody leads us through a conversation on "stone," or "rock." What do we associate with "stone"? Hardness, coldness, inflexibility? Or maybe strength, safety, and an ability to endure? Music includes meditations on rock and stone such as Jimmy Webb's "If These Walls Could Speak," Buddy and Julie Miller's "Chalk," and Ingrid Michaelson's "Turn To Stone."

Alchemy: Dirt as Life

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Rhody Mastin

7/16/17

Description:In which Molly continues our summer series on "alchemy" by looking at one of the most pervasive, and yet overlooked, elements in our Western world: dirt. What worlds are contained in a handful of dirt? Featured are poems by Jan Richardson and Walt Whitman, and readings from Wendell Berry and Lindsey Naylor. Music is brought by Rhody Mastin, and includes songs by Tom Waits and Sara Watkins.

Alchemy: The Waters of "Ordeal" and New Life

Tim Conder / Music: Tim Carless

7/9/17

Description:In which we continue our summer series by looking at the element of water. How do we see the role and power of water played out in Scripture? What does our dependence on water suggest? Tim Carless brings a setlist centered around these themes, as well, with songs by Van Morrison, Kevin Ayers, Jimmy Cliff, Mark Knopfler, and an original Mr. Carless composed for a German TV show 20 years ago!

Alchemy: Bread of the Dead

Rhody Mastin / Music: Sus Long & Alex Treyz

6/25/17

Description:In which Rody explores the meaning and usage of bread in human culture. What are our associations with bread? When is bread used in the life of the church? How are our understandings of bread influenced by Western culture? Music is brought to you by Sus Long and Alex Treyz of the band Hardworker, and features a song by Kris Kristofferson, a poetic reframing of The Lord's Prayer by George Ella Lyon, an old Union song, an original, and others.

Alchemy: Light, A Fundamental Constant

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams & Tim Carless

6/18/17

Description:In which Molly leads us through a dialogue on "light." What do we associate with light? Hope? Being burnt? Truth? Mark explores these themes and others through a setlist comprising of Ben Harper, Bruce Cockburn, Pierce Pettis, The Smiths, Ashley Cleveland, and Indio.

Alchemy: (Embodying) Salt

Ben Haas (Molly Wummett) / Music: Tim Carless

6/11/17

Description:In which our summer series of finding a present spirituality within the physical, day-to-day world continues, with Ben Haas facilitating a discussion around salt. Tim Carless brings songs by Julian Lennon, Mark Knopfler, the Rolling Stones, and an original composed especially for tonight: "Gomorrah Never Knows."

Alchemy: (Pentecostal) Fire

Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams

6/4/17

Description:In which Tim continues our summer series on "alchemy," looking at the element of fire. What role has fire played in the development of cutures? How do we experience fire today? How did the ancients experience it? Musically, Mark leads us through a song cycle examining fire from many angles, to imagine together what themes emerge about fire.

Tangibly Spiritual: Re-integrating the Physical Realm in Faith, Worship, and Ethic

Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams

5/28/17

Description:In which Tim launches our Summer series, introducing us to ideas around incorporating the physical (created) realm into our understanding of spirituality. This week, Tim looks at the Creation story and asks us to imagine the layers of meaning inherent in the account.

Sing A New Song: Songs of Faith from Women in Prison

Sus Long and Danny Nowell

5/21/17

Description:In which Sus Long and Danny Nowell of the band Hardworker share with us a project they have undertaken for the past year with Duke Divinity, whereby they have held songwriting "classes" with women in a local prison, empowering the women to tell their own stories through song. On this night at Emmaus Way, Sus and Danny share some of the songs these women have written.

Mission in a World of Realized Resurrection

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams

5/14/17

Description:In which Molly closes out our series on "Realized Resurrection" by posing the question, "What might 'mission' look like in a world of realized resurrection?" In other words, where do we see God at work, despite the horrors of our world?

Realized Resurrection and the Reality of Sorrow

Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams, Dale Baker, and Tim Carless

5/7/17

Description:In which Tim takes a step back to explore how we might address the reality of suffering in the midst of "realized resurrection." In other words, the resurrection and birth of a new kingdom has begun, so why do we still experience suffering and sorrow? Mark leads us in music with meditations by Alice Gerrard, Sufjan Stevens, Kate Rusby, R.E.M., Vigilantes of Love, and Mark Heard.

Realized Resurrection Through Spiritual Practice

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams

4/30/17

Description:In which Molly asks the question, "What might the spiritual disciplines of an Easter people look like?" Mark leads us with music by Jann Arden, Pierce Pettis, Ben Kyle, and others.

Realized Resurrection

Tim Conder / Music: Tim Carless

4/23/17

Description:In which Tim Conder introduces a brief Eastertide series on "Realized Resurrection." One might think of this as the "what now?" following the celebration of Easter. Tim Carless leads us in music by Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams, The The, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, and one of his own originals.

Palm Sunday: Tales of the Palm, Tales of the Passion

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams & Dan Hall

4/9/17

Description:In which we communally explore the tension between the celebration of Jesus entering Jeruslaem, and the horror of the week to come in the life of Jesus. We publicly read through the Stations of the Cross. Mark leads us in songs by U2, Alice Gerrard, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and others.

Lent 5: A Season for Repentance: John 11

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Jeff Crawford & Tim Carless

4/2/17

Description:In which Molly guides us through John 11, the story of the raising of Lazarus, a friend of Jesus's. We ask questions of one another like, "Where do we see repentance in this story?" "Who is repenting, and from what are they repenting?" Music is provided by Jeff Crawford, with Tim Carless joining. Songs are from John Lennon, The Innocence Mission, Julie Miller, and an original.

Lent 4: A Season for Repentance: John 9

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Brett Harris

3/26/17

Description:In which Molly continues our exploration of repentance by looking at Jesus's encounter with--and healing of--a man born blind. The questions posed by the text resonate powerfully: does God punish sin by visiting us with misfortune? How does this story reorient our understanding of repentance? Music is by Brett Harris, and features songs by Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, an original, and the classic hymn, "Amazing Grace."

Lent 3: A Season for Repentance: John 4

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams & Chessa Rich

3/19/17

Description:In which Molly discusses Jesus's encounter with "the woman at the well" from John 4. Discussion questions include: "Where do you see repentance in this story?" and "How does this narrative connect (or disconnect) with our lives?" Music is by Mark Williams and Chessa Rich, and includes songs by Gregory Alan Isakov, Patty Griffin, Peter Himmelman, Emmylou Harris, Julie Miller, and Over the Rhine. A wonderful night of music - the set turned out very well.

Lent 2: A Season for Repentance: John 3

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Tim Carless

3/12/17

Description:In which Molly leads us through John 3:1-17, the story of Nicodemus. She prompts us with the question, "How does repentance reframe our imagination?" Music is brought to us by Tim Carless, who serves up songs by Leonard Cohen, Richard Thompson, Glen Hansard, Nick Lowe, and two originals.

Lent 1: A Season To Repent

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams & Chessa Rich

3/5/17

Description:In which Molly introduces our Lenten Series on reimagining "Repentance." What would it mean to reorient ourselves, our families, and our communities around a broader understanding of the term "repentance"? Our text is from Matthew 4. Mark leads us in music, along with keys and vocals from Chessa Rich, in a set of songs by Cyndi Lauper, Alanis Morrisette, Lucinda Williams, and Over the Rhine.

Sanctuary: Closing Thoughts, and What Now?

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Skylar Gudasz, Charles Cleaver, and Casey Toll

2/26/17

Description:In which Molly closes our series on Sanctuary by looking at the story of Rahab. Skylar presents a powerful set of music by Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, Big Star, Nina Simone, and an original, "Car Song."

Sanctuary and the Governing Authorities

Molly Brummett-Wudel, Ben Haas / Music: Mark Williams, Dan Hall, Tim Carless, Casey Toll

2/19/17

Description:In which the question is raised, "What does 'respecting authority' mean for Sanctuary people?" Molly crafts a multifaceted homily, while Ben facilitiates a lively dialogue. Mark leads us in music (along with Tim Carless, Dan Hall, and Casey Toll) featuring songs by Marc Cohn, Bruce Cockburn, Indio, Julie Miller, and Sam Phillips.

The Challenge of Sanctuary

Molly Brummett-Wudel, Christine Folch / Music: Jeff Crawford, Skylar Gudasz

2/12/17

Description:In which our community discussion regarding issues of becoming a Sanctuary People continue. Molly leads us in a vulnerable, heartfelt homily, while Christine Folch guides our dialogue. Music is by Jeff Crawford and Skylar Gudasz, and includes songs by Leonard Cohen, Mary Gauthier, Delores Hufner, as well as an original by Jeff.

Sanctuary, Refuge, and The Alien

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Skylar Gudasz, Casey Toll, and Libby Rodenbough

2/5/17

Description:In which we continue our community dialogue about what it means to be a Sanctuary People. Skylar leads us in music refelctions by Leonard Cohen, Alice Gerrard, The Velvet Underground, Lucinda Williams, and others. She is joined by the indefatigable Casey Toll, and Libby Rodenbough from Mipso on fiddle!

Why Sanctuary?

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams, Dan Hall, and Casey Toll

1/29/17

Description:In which Molly prompts us to discuss the question, "Why would we pursue sanctuary?" The text consists of a parable known as "The Sheep and The Goats." Mark provides music by Mark Heard, Woody Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen, and Buddy Miller.

Sanctuary & the Holy

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams, Chessa Rich, Dale Baker, and Casey Toll

1/22/17

Description:In which Molly and Ben describe a new dialogical format experiment, where Molly will be presenting a homily each week, followed by open-ended discussion. This week continues the theme of exploring "sanctuary," with the question, "What is worth protecting?" Mark presents songs by Feist, Anais Mitchell, Kate Rusby, Jason Harrod, Foo Fighers, and an original.

Reflecting on Sanctuary

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Tim Carless, Billie Feather, & Chessa Rich

1/15/17

Description:In which Molly iintroduces us to a series of reflections over the next several weeks on the concept of "sanctuary." Music is provided by Tim Carless, Billie Feather, and Chessa Rich, and includes songs by John Lennon, Richard and Linda Thompson, Joe Henry, and others.

Christmas Eve

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams

12/24/16

Description:In which Emmaus Way celebrates a low-key Christmas Eve of text, Eucharist, candles, and song.

Advent IV: Daring to Sing the Magnificat

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Mark Williams, Dale Baker

12/18/16

Description:In which Molly dares us to imagine what it might mean to sing a 21st-century Magnificat. Mark Williams presents seasonal carols old and quite-old-indeed, alongside selections from John Michael Talbot and Michael Card.

Advent III: The Magnificat Revolution Advent Benefit

Music: Mark Williams, Paige Capes, Tim Carless, Jeff Crawford, Billie Feather, Skylar Gudasz, Dan Hall, Doug Largent, and Casey Toll

12/11/16

Description:In which Emmaus Way throws a blow-out musical benefit for missional partner Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham.

Advent II: Bearing Hope?

Molly Brummet-Wudel / Music: Brett Harris, Whit Wright

12/4/16

Description:In which Molly reflects on the challenging call to embrace and embody gospel-shaped hope in our world. Brett Harris presents some Advent carols alongside selections from Sam Phillips, Pierce Pettis, and Stevie Wonder.

Advent I: Expecting a Revolution

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Sus Long, Michael Conner

11/27/16

Description:In which Molly introduces our Advent theme: "The Magnificat Revolution" with a homily from Luke 1:26–55. Sus Long presents Advent-themed music from Maeve, her own band Hardworker, and Patty Griffin, as well as one original song written especially for the night. Creative Advent worship stations ensue.

Moral Vision in a Age of Anger, Disillusionment, Inequity, and Divisiveness

Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams, Jeff Crawford, Skylar Gudasz, Dan Hall

11/20/16

Description:In which Tim returns to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) in search of renewed vision for living, hoping, and working together towards God's kingdom in our society and world. Mark Williams presents songs by Bob Dylan, Mark Heard, Julie Miller, Arcade Fire, and Peter Himmelman.

A Borderlands Narrative

Nidia Flores / Music: Mark Williams & Dan Hall

10/16/16

Description:In which Molly interviews Nidia Flores about her experience immigrating to the United States when she was a young child. Mark presents music by Anais Mitchell ("Why We Build the Wall"), Tracy Chapman, Mark Heard, Bruce Springsteen, and others.

Borderlands Encounters in the Middle East

Jim Thomas & Kurt Rhodes / Music: Tim Carless, Casey Toll, Skylar Gudasz

10/9/16

Description:In which Jim Thomas interviews Kurt Rhodes (of Questscope International) on the implications of borderlands encounters in light of his work in the Middle East. Tim Carless, Casey Toll, and Skylar Gudasz presents songs by Nick Lowe, ABBA, Roddy Frame, and Bob Dylan.

Spirit Nudged / Spirit Snatched - Encountering Gender & Sexuality in the Borderlands

Diane Lipsett / Music: Mark Williams, Tim Carless, Casey Toll, Dale Baker

10/2/16

Description:In which New Testament scholar Dr. Diane Lipsett leads us the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Specifically, how this encounter between an ancient Christian leader and an exotic, foreign, gender-bending God-seeker invites us to reflect on the fertile possibilities of wilderness spaces that alter perceptions of gender. Mark Williams presents songs by Bob Dylan, Mark Williams, Peter Himmelman, Tom Waits, and U2.

Baptism: Reflections on a Borderland Encounter

Molly Wummett & Tim Conder / Music: Mark Williams

9/25/16

Description:In which the community of Emmaus Way celebrates the sacrament of baptism of numerous individuals. The text is of the Ethiopian eunuch baptized by Philip. Mark presents songs by Bob Dylan, Rich Mullins, and Peter Himmelman.

Who We Are Together: The "Third Space" of our Dialogue and Open Table

Molly Wummett & Tim Conder / Music: Skylar Gudasz, Casey Toll, & Yan Westerlund

9/18/16

Description:In which Molly and Tim delineate an AFFIRMATION in response to the past three weeks of negation. This affirmation is one of Emmaus Way existing as a “Third Space.” They point to this “Third Space” as an area where Emmaus Way offers a unique experience, where we celebrate an Open Table every week and practice an open dialogue format. Musically this week, Skylar Gudasz leads us with powerful selections from The Velvet Underground, Richard and Linda Thompson, Bruce Cockburn, as well as her own “3000 Miles.”

Who We Are Together...Negation #3: We Are Not Really A Moderate Church

Tim Conder / Music: Tim Carless, Dale Baker, & Casey Toll

9/11/16

Description:In which Tim leads us in an examination of our final of three negations: Why we are not a "moderate" church. Our claim is that Emmaus Way inhabits a "third space," where we do not fit cleanly into binaries, but at the same time, our goal is not to make ourselves comfortable. Music is provided by Tim Carless, Dale Baker, and Casey Toll, who lead us through music by Tom Waits, Nick Lowe, Neil Diamond, and others.

Who We Are Together...Negation #2: We Are Not Really A Mainline Church

Molly Brummett-Wudel / Music: Hardworker

9/4/16

Description:In which Molly continues to look our sereis of three "negations." This week, Molly leads us in a discussion of why we are not a Mainline Church. Music is masterfully provided by the band Hardworker, with all original music. Their selections really shine in light of the dialogue this week.

Who We Are Together...Negation #1: We Are Not Really An Evangelical Church

Tim Conder, Molly Wummett, and Ben Haas

8/28/16

Description:In which Tim, Molly, and Ben begin a three week journey of looking at three "negations" of who we are as a community. This week, we look at why Emmaus Way cannot rightly be called an "Evangelical" church. Featuring poems by Paul Williams ("How To Tell the Truth") and Walter Brueggemann ("Prayers for a Privileged People").

End of Series Discussion: Why I Am...

Molly Wummett, Christine Folch, Ben Haas, SK Fishback, Jim Thomas, Laura Wooten, Tim Conder, and Emily McClean

8/22/16

Description:In which the various speakers from the Summer Series "Why I Am..." gather on a Monday night to discuss their own reactions to the processof preparing for one of their dialogue. Also discussed is "what does it mean to forge a community of individuals who each bring their own identities?"

Reflecting on "Who WE Are..."

Molly Wummett & Tim Conder / Music: Brett Harris

8/21/16

Description:In which Molly and Tim lead the dialog together, inviting us to look forward into the beginning of our Fall series. Over the next several weeks, we will examine in more detail the negation of who we are as a community, not in order to cast aspersion on other religious identities, but rather to encourage us as a community in developing our sense of self and our missional calling. Brett Harris leads us in music after a long absence. Welcome back, Brett!

Reflections on "Why I Am..."

Molly Wummett / Music: Skylar Gudasz, Casey Toll, Yan Westerlund, Mark Williams

8/14/16

Description:In which Molly leads us in reflecting upon the multitude of identities presented to the community over the Summer series. Music is thoughfully curated and performed by Skylar Gudasz and her band, featuring Casey Toll, Yan Westerlund, and Mark Williams. Skylar's powerful original composition "I Want to Be with You in the Darkness" serves as our Absolution.

Why I Am...a Churchgoer

Christine Folch / Music: Mark Williams, Dan Hall, & Tim Carless

8/7/16

Description:In which Christine Folch, Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University and dear co-minister at Emmaus Way, discusses the tragedy of the church's absence in mourning the "least of these" in society. She directs us to Mark 2:1-12 as an example of what she calls the essentials of church life: solidarity and vulnerability with one another. Mark W leads us (along with Dan Hall and Tim Carless) in songs from Bob Dylan (With God On Our Side), Patty Griffin, U2, Dog Named David, and an original.