Refashioned: exploring Colossians together

“You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe.” - Colossians 3:9, MSGIf there is any text that offers us timely wisdom, it’s Paul’s letter to the new, growing-yet-struggling faith community in Colossae. The letter, meant for a particular group of people, also has a word for everyone.This community of Christ followers was embracing a whole different way of being in the world. They had not joined a new religion; they were learning to live as new creation. This new life was rooted in the past and connected to tradition, yet it was also new, radical and revolutionary.One thing was not new, though. They were still living in a power-driven empire. Daily, they were surrounded by images reminding them that Caesar was lord, not Jesus. They were constantly discerning whether to follower a new king and a new kingdom or slip back into life as they knew it.These were times of transition and times of empire - much like our day.We, too, are experiencing huge shifts - in worldviews, relationships, beliefs and practices. We, too, are surrounded by empire - by political powers, consumerism, pressures to achieve and earn more and more and more.Times like these can make us feel like we are swimming in a sea of chaos and uncertainty with nothing holding us together. It can be tempting to depend on old thinking, false teaching and empty religion to make us feel less afraid and more secure.Paul says don’t do it.Instead, he instructs,“Christ! No more, no less.” (Col. 1:28)As part of God’s new creation, we are to look to Jesus to refashion us. And, the good news is that we are not left alone to navigate the way forward. We are not left with nothing to guide, grip or center us. Through scripture, community, the past and this present moment, God is with us.Beginning this Sunday, we are moving through the ancient, challenging and timely words of Colossians. We’ll hear stories from those in our own faith community who are struggling and finding their place in God’s story. We’ll share conversations about scripture, ask questions, pray and share communion together. We would love for you to be a part - your presence always enriches our time together!If you would like to read along, here are the passages we will explore each Sunday:June 12 Colossians 1:1-14June 19 Colossians 1:15-25June 26 Colossians 2:6-15July 3 Colossians 3:1-11July 10 Lunch & Worship with Church Without WallsJuly 17 Colossians 3:13-4:1July 25 Colossians 4:2-9