by Mark Cutshall, member of the Adult Christian Education Team

That’s why I tell stories; to create readiness to nudge people toward receptive insight.
- Jesus, Matthew 13:11 (The Message)

What are the stories of your life that truly matter? What are the stories of God at work in you, stories that, as you tell them naturally, can open up the life and love of Jesus to a listening friend, a curious child, or an interested colleague--and perhaps even change your life?

On January 10, 17, 24 and 31, Linda and I are presenting “Unfinished Stories: Pathway to God’s Heart.” These four informal gatherings are designed to help you rediscover, or perhaps see for the very first time, how the Lord has met you, sustained, directed and continued to transform you.

Jesus is our example and guide for the class. Consider the people whom he encountered, touched, healed and loved. Like each of us, they had physical imperfections, insecurities, and character flaws. Like us, each had a desire to know and be known. Like us, their lives were incomplete, their stories, their lives, unfinished.

Through the stories He told and inhabited, Jesus knew—and we can know as well—how to care and come alongside each other: In the same way Jesus honored each person with a heart of listening, we will take a little time each Sunday to listen to one another share the stories people are open to tell. With a heart of listening, we’ll discover how to ask the good, caring questions that can actually help clear a path and create the space for the stories another person wants to tell. Questions like,

• What was a time in your life, from childhood to today, when you felt accepted and loved, with no strings attached?
• What’s one thing you’ve learned over the past year?
• What person, concern or need have you been praying for, lately?

By telling your stories, three significant things can happen. First, we can experience the power of remembrance. Meaningful people, places and outcomes emerge. Things that have been forgotten or buried in the past come to life.

Second, as you tell your stories, you are able to re-enact the sequence of events, the conversation, or a key turning-point moment. The act of remembrance and the gift of re-enactment can lead you to ask,

“Where was God in the story? How did He meet me? How have am I different person, today, as a result?”

Your discoveries can become a third gift: The fresh telling or retelling of a story can allow you to return to the present moment—with all of the unresolved issues before you, the unfinished stories you’re living right now—with new awareness of the Lord’s presence, place and purpose in your life.

We’ll gather in the Bethany Parlor, with hot beverages, a gas fireplace and good conversation. Bring your inquisitiveness, your desire to grow in Christ, your questions, and of course, your stories.

In the telling of your story to someone else, and in returning the favor of listening to another, we can bring each other closer to the compassionate heart of God. The ultimate blessing—and it’s something we can all experience throughout our time together—is that God is telling His story through each of us.

That’s an ending worthy of a good beginning on January 10.

Contact: Mark (356-2191, mcutsh@aol.com), Linda (356-6096, lindac@bethanypc.org.