Are you interested in exploring why mention of the church and religion can stir up such negative feelings? Come examine this and other relevant questions when Pastor Julie Shields of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 3400 21st Street, begins a new study based upon journalist Philip Yancey’s book Vanishing Grace: What Ever Happened to the Good News, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m.

In this book, Yancey, Editor-at-Large for Christianity Today, asks, “How is Christianity still relevant in a post-Christian culture?” In his previous book, What’s So Amazing About Grace, Yancey issued a call for all Christians to be as grace-filled in their behavior as they are in declaring their beliefs. In Vanishing Grace, he shows all Christians how they have lost respect, influence, and reputation in our current culture. Exploring what may have contributed to this hostility, especially toward Evangelicals in their mixing of faith and politics, Yancey offers illuminating stories of faith that can be expressed in ways that “disarm even the most cynical critics”. Finally, he explores what “The Good News” is and why it is worth preserving in today’s world.

At the First Congregational United Church of Christ, we believe our mission is to change lives – individually, systemically and globally – thus our denomination’s motto, “Never place a period where God has placed a comma – God is still speaking”. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God’s grace. This is why we believe that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here, because all are welcome at His table.