We reflect on Commons' commitment to shaping spiritual passion. We explore Luke's account of Jesus being anointed by a woman, contrasting it with versions in Mark, Matthew, and John. The message delves into Luke's unique perspective, highlighting Jesus' point about forgiveness and love, and poses a key question: "Do you see this woman?" We consider how we learn faith from others and the particularity of our own spiritual journeys, emphasizing that our passions make our community and the world brighter. This reflection on Luke 7:36-47 encourages us to embrace grace and recognize the diverse forms of devotion in our lives.

We all know him as “Doubting Thomas”—but is that really fair? In this teaching, we take a closer look at Thomas’ story in the Gospel of John and discover:
• Why nicknames in the Bible matter (and how Thomas got his)
• What his name “The Twin” really means
• How his doubt might actually mirror our own journey of faith
• Why doubt and faith are not opposites, but twins

From John 11 to John 20, Thomas shows us that faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about trust, risk, and the courage to keep following Jesus even when we’re unsure.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions, wondered if doubt disqualifies you, or longed for proof that God’s promises are real—this message is for you.

📖 Scripture explored: John 11, John 14, John 20
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In the final installment of our "Sacred Practice" series, we explore the Christian practice of keeping time, looking at how faith works itself out in our bodies, habits, and shared experiences. We discuss the significance of the Christian calendar, the human need to mark time, and how daily, ordinary moments can become sacred. Join us as we reflect on endings and beginnings, and discover how time, through Christ's example and community, ultimately keeps us.

This Sunday, Bobbi explores pilgrimage as a sacred practice, distinguishing it from mere habit. She shares her personal journey to Iona, a sacred island off Scotland, and discusses the historical significance of pilgrimage in various cultures and faiths, including the Christian tradition and the Camino de Santiago.

Bobbi contrasts her transformative experience in Iona with a less impactful visit to Fatima, Portugal, highlighting the difference between being a pilgrim and a tourist. The talk also delves into labyrinths as an accessible form of pilgrimage, emphasizing their embodied, symbolic, and enjoyable nature, and encourages listeners to seek out local labyrinths for their own spiritual journeys.

The sermon concludes by reflecting on the idea that while intentional pilgrimages are valuable, some of the most profound spiritual encounters can happen unexpectedly in everyday life. Drawing from Hebrews 12, Bobbi encourages listeners to approach life with the light and persevering spirit of a pilgrim, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the "pioneer and perfecter of faith." The ultimate message is that whether planned or spontaneous, pilgrimage is a path that always leads us home to God.

Welcome to Commons! In this talk, Bobbi explores journaling as a sacred practice. She discusses different approaches to journaling, including the "Line-a-Day" diary for tracking everyday life and the "Infinity Prompt" for deeper emotional processing. Bobbi also touches on the use of sketchbooks for self-reflection and the idea that journaling can be a practice not just for personal benefit, but also for the good of others. This discussion is part of the "Sacred Practice" series, which encourages Christians to engage with various spiritual disciplines.

Why do humans sing — and why has singing together been a part of human culture for as long as we can remember? In this talk, we explore the surprising science, deep history, and spiritual significance of song — both inside and outside the church.

We’ll cover:
• Song Psychology – how music rewires the brain and shapes memory
• Social Bonding – why singing together builds connection and trust
• Neural Pathways – what happens in your brain when you sing
• Healing & Wellbeing – how singing boosts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens community

From ancient evolutionary debates (Pinker vs. Darwin) to the earliest Christian hymns, from Frozen earworms to Paul’s letters in the New Testament — you’ll see how music has always been more than just entertainment.

Whether you’re a trained vocalist or someone who can’t hold a tune, you’ll discover why singing is one of the most human things you can do… and why you should probably do it more often.

📖 Scripture references: Ephesians 5:18–20, Colossians 3:15–16, James 5:13
🎶 Historical note: The 3rd-century Oxyrhynchus Hymn — one of the oldest pieces of Christian music ever recorded.

If this inspires you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more thoughtful explorations of faith, life, and culture.

#WhyWeSing #NeuroscienceOfMusic #FaithAndSong #Christianity #WorshipMusic #MusicAndFaith #SocialBonding #HealingThroughMusic

Today also marks the final week of our summer series, Reads a Classic, where we’ve reflected on the wisdom of enduring voices in the Christian tradition. We’ve learned from Hildegard of Bingen, Brother Lawrence, and Dallas Willard. And today, Jeremy explores the profound legacy of Walter Brueggemann, who passed away just weeks ago.

As one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of our time, Brueggemann taught us how to read the scriptures not just for what they say, but for what they imagine—how they invite us to resist empires, lament honestly, and hope boldly.

In this teaching, we explore:

🌀 Brueggemann’s life and theological contributions
📚 What it means to read scripture with prophetic imagination
🏛️ The symbolism of Egypt and Pharaoh as recurring empires in our world
🌊 A poetic re-reading of the Exodus and Red Sea crossing
💭 The dangers of self-deception, the lure of control, and the power of lament
✊ The invitation to imagine Church as an alternative community for justice and compassion

Whether you’re deeply familiar with Brueggemann’s work or hearing his name for the first time, this is a powerful conversation on how scripture—when read poetically—can shake us from numbness and awaken new ways forward.

👇 Who are the voices that have shaped your faith? Drop your “classic reads” in the comments—we’d love to hear them!

#CommonsChurch #ReadsAClassic #WalterBrueggemann #PropheticImagination #Exodus #SpiritualFormation #Theology #Justice #PoetryInScripture

In this week’s special episode of our S5 Reads a Classic series, we dive into the enduring wisdom of philosopher and spiritual teacher Dallas Willard. Join us as we explore his vision of Christian spiritual formation, the kingdom of God, and the slow, transformative work of grace in our lives.

Whether you're new to Willard or returning to his work with fresh eyes, this sermon will challenge and encourage you to rethink discipleship not as mere behavior modification, but as inner transformation rooted in the love of Jesus.

🕊️ Expect insight, reflection, and a thoughtful conversation about the kind of life Jesus invites us into—deeply formed, fully alive, and attuned to the presence of God in ordinary moments.

🎧 Listen in. Take notes. Share with a friend.