Divine Violence in the Biblical Text
Join us as we explore Divine Violence in the Biblical Text through a video from The Bible for Normal People and discussion. Led by Kat Kilian. (Rescheduled from 9/6)
Book Club: Jesus and John Wayne (Introduction and Chapters 1-4)
Join us as we embark on a new book study with the book “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation” by Kristin Kobes du Mez.
Reading Schedule
October 11: Introduction and Chapters 1-4
November 8: Chapters 5-8
December 13: Chapters 9-12
January 10, 2025: Chapters 13-16
About the Book
Jesus and John Wayne is a sweeping, revisionist history of the last seventy-five years of white evangelicalism, revealing how evangelicals have worked to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism―or in the words of one modern chaplain, with “a spiritual badass.”
As acclaimed scholar Kristin Du Mez explains, the key to understanding this transformation is to recognize the centrality of popular culture in contemporary American evangelicalism. Many of today’s evangelicals might not be theologically astute, but they know their VeggieTales, they’ve read John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart, and they learned about purity before they learned about sex―and they have a silver ring to prove it. Evangelical books, films, music, clothing, and merchandise shape the beliefs of millions. And evangelical culture is teeming with muscular heroes―mythical warriors and rugged soldiers, men like Oliver North, Ronald Reagan, Mel Gibson, and the Duck Dynasty clan, who assert white masculine power in defense of “Christian America.” Chief among these evangelical legends is John Wayne, an icon of a lost time when men were uncowed by political correctness, unafraid to tell it like it was, and did what needed to be done.
Challenging the commonly held assumption that the “moral majority” backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 for purely pragmatic reasons, Du Mez reveals that Trump in fact represented the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule, aggressive foreign policy, fear of Islam, ambivalence toward #MeToo, and opposition to Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ community. A much-needed reexamination of perhaps the most influential subculture in this country, Jesus and John Wayne shows that, far from adhering to biblical principles, modern white evangelicals have remade their faith, with enduring consequences for all Americans.
Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-John-Wayne-Evangelicals-Corrupted/dp/163149905X/
Reform: Evangelicals for Harris
Evangelicals overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. But there are evangelicals who are changing their minds. They see that Trump, his rhetoric, and his policies are not in line with the teachings of Jesus. Evangelicals for Harris are a group of evangelical Christians who are supporting the candidacy of Kamala Harris as they see the policies that she and the democrats are closer to the teachings of Jesus. We will explore their ideas and why they believe in supporting Harris over Trump. Led by Kat Kilian.
Celebrate September - Chili Cookoff and Game Night!
Do you think you have an award-winning chili recipe? Put that to the test at A New Way’s Chili Cookoff!
We’ll provide voting slips, a ballot box, beverages, and desserts as well as a great atmosphere as we look toward the “chilly” months ahead.
We will also have assorted “test your skills” games available for playing.
Fun for the whole family!
Two Ways to Participate in the Cook Off:
Enter your best chili by emailing anewway2church@gmail.com with your name and recipe title then bring in your best batch to share. (All varieties are welcome, including vegan/vegetarian.)
Just come eat and vote. (Not into cooking chili? Simply come and eat for free!)
Book Club: Jesus and John Wayne (Chapters 5-8)
Join us as we continue our book study with “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation” by Kristin Kobes du Mez.
Reading Schedule
October 11: Introduction and Chapters 1-4
November 8: Chapters 5-8
December 13: Chapters 9-12
January 10, 2025: Chapters 13-16
About the Book
Jesus and John Wayne is a sweeping, revisionist history of the last seventy-five years of white evangelicalism, revealing how evangelicals have worked to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism―or in the words of one modern chaplain, with “a spiritual badass.”
As acclaimed scholar Kristin Du Mez explains, the key to understanding this transformation is to recognize the centrality of popular culture in contemporary American evangelicalism. Many of today’s evangelicals might not be theologically astute, but they know their VeggieTales, they’ve read John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart, and they learned about purity before they learned about sex―and they have a silver ring to prove it. Evangelical books, films, music, clothing, and merchandise shape the beliefs of millions. And evangelical culture is teeming with muscular heroes―mythical warriors and rugged soldiers, men like Oliver North, Ronald Reagan, Mel Gibson, and the Duck Dynasty clan, who assert white masculine power in defense of “Christian America.” Chief among these evangelical legends is John Wayne, an icon of a lost time when men were uncowed by political correctness, unafraid to tell it like it was, and did what needed to be done.
Challenging the commonly held assumption that the “moral majority” backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 for purely pragmatic reasons, Du Mez reveals that Trump in fact represented the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule, aggressive foreign policy, fear of Islam, ambivalence toward #MeToo, and opposition to Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ community. A much-needed reexamination of perhaps the most influential subculture in this country, Jesus and John Wayne shows that, far from adhering to biblical principles, modern white evangelicals have remade their faith, with enduring consequences for all Americans.
Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-John-Wayne-Evangelicals-Corrupted/dp/163149905X/
Book Club: Jesus and John Wayne (Chapters 9-12)
Join us as we continue our book study with “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation” by Kristin Kobes du Mez.
Reading Schedule
October 11: Introduction and Chapters 1-4
November 8: Chapters 5-8
December 13: Chapters 9-12
January 10, 2025: Chapters 13-16
About the Book
Jesus and John Wayne is a sweeping, revisionist history of the last seventy-five years of white evangelicalism, revealing how evangelicals have worked to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism―or in the words of one modern chaplain, with “a spiritual badass.”
As acclaimed scholar Kristin Du Mez explains, the key to understanding this transformation is to recognize the centrality of popular culture in contemporary American evangelicalism. Many of today’s evangelicals might not be theologically astute, but they know their VeggieTales, they’ve read John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart, and they learned about purity before they learned about sex―and they have a silver ring to prove it. Evangelical books, films, music, clothing, and merchandise shape the beliefs of millions. And evangelical culture is teeming with muscular heroes―mythical warriors and rugged soldiers, men like Oliver North, Ronald Reagan, Mel Gibson, and the Duck Dynasty clan, who assert white masculine power in defense of “Christian America.” Chief among these evangelical legends is John Wayne, an icon of a lost time when men were uncowed by political correctness, unafraid to tell it like it was, and did what needed to be done.
Challenging the commonly held assumption that the “moral majority” backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 for purely pragmatic reasons, Du Mez reveals that Trump in fact represented the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule, aggressive foreign policy, fear of Islam, ambivalence toward #MeToo, and opposition to Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ community. A much-needed reexamination of perhaps the most influential subculture in this country, Jesus and John Wayne shows that, far from adhering to biblical principles, modern white evangelicals have remade their faith, with enduring consequences for all Americans.
Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-John-Wayne-Evangelicals-Corrupted/dp/163149905X/
Book Club: Jesus and John Wayne (Chapters 13-16)
Join us as we continue our book study with “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation” by Kristin Kobes du Mez.
Reading Schedule
October 11: Introduction and Chapters 1-4
November 8: Chapters 5-8
December 13: Chapters 9-12
January 10, 2025: Chapters 13-16
About the Book
Jesus and John Wayne is a sweeping, revisionist history of the last seventy-five years of white evangelicalism, revealing how evangelicals have worked to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism―or in the words of one modern chaplain, with “a spiritual badass.”
As acclaimed scholar Kristin Du Mez explains, the key to understanding this transformation is to recognize the centrality of popular culture in contemporary American evangelicalism. Many of today’s evangelicals might not be theologically astute, but they know their VeggieTales, they’ve read John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart, and they learned about purity before they learned about sex―and they have a silver ring to prove it. Evangelical books, films, music, clothing, and merchandise shape the beliefs of millions. And evangelical culture is teeming with muscular heroes―mythical warriors and rugged soldiers, men like Oliver North, Ronald Reagan, Mel Gibson, and the Duck Dynasty clan, who assert white masculine power in defense of “Christian America.” Chief among these evangelical legends is John Wayne, an icon of a lost time when men were uncowed by political correctness, unafraid to tell it like it was, and did what needed to be done.
Challenging the commonly held assumption that the “moral majority” backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 for purely pragmatic reasons, Du Mez reveals that Trump in fact represented the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule, aggressive foreign policy, fear of Islam, ambivalence toward #MeToo, and opposition to Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ community. A much-needed reexamination of perhaps the most influential subculture in this country, Jesus and John Wayne shows that, far from adhering to biblical principles, modern white evangelicals have remade their faith, with enduring consequences for all Americans.
Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-John-Wayne-Evangelicals-Corrupted/dp/163149905X/
Most Dangerous Women Documentary
Join us as we get a glimpse of Most Dangerous Women, a documentary series linking the dynamic history of women organizing for equality, social justice, and peace with today’s emerging movement leaders. We will be watching one episode and coming together to discuss. Led by Cheryl Krafft Mealle.
Reform: Voting Rights and Voter Suppression
With the 2024 election coming up, it’s important to understand your voting rights and the voter suppression tactics that are often used to limit those rights. Free and fair elections are one of the best ways to facilitate change and reform in our country. We will have a discussion about these issues and what to be on a lookout for as the election approaches. Led by Bryan Clark.
A New Way at Naper Pride
A New Way will have a booth at Naper Pride this year! Come on out to support and learn more about us!
Book Club: The Cross and the Lynching Tree (Chapters 4-5)
Join us for the discussion of Chapters 4-5 of “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone.
Book Synopsis
The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. While the lynching tree symbolized white power and black death, the cross symbolizes divine power and black life God overcoming the power of sin and death. For African Americans, the image of Jesus, hung on a tree to die, powerfully grounded their faith that God was with them, even in the suffering of the lynching era. Learn more about the book at https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Lynching-Tree-James-Cone/dp/1626980055/
Explore: Answered and Unanswered Prayer
Please join us as we explore how prayer can be an important part of our faith journey. After taking a brief journey through answered and unanswered prayers in the Bible, we will explore the following questions:
Why do we pray?
When has God answered our prayers in expected and sometimes unexpected ways?
When has God’s answer been “wait,” and if an answer finally came, how long did it take?
Why do we keep praying when we may feel that God has either never answered us or hasn’t in a really long time?
What can we do to restart or recharge our prayer life with God?
Led by Jason Lohman
Connect: OutSpoken: A Night of LGBTQ+ Storytelling
Come and enjoy amazing storytelling with OutSpoken!
Speakers include:
Leslie Clark
Terry Hazel
Nancy Mullen
Jim Johnson
Dani Keil
Archy Jamjun
Join us for an evening of mocktails and raucously good stories from people near and dear to the queer community. Stories may not be appropriate for children, but we do provide free childcare!
Explore: Biblical Bad Words
Using videos from The Bible Project we will learn more about the Bible’s “bad” words. These words are used throughout the Bible, but they’ve lost much of their meaning in our modern speech. We will watch three short videos “Khata/Sin,” “Pesha/Transgression,” and “Avon/Iniquity” then discuss. Led by Victoria Maldonado
Book Club: The Cross and the Lynching Tree (Chapters 2-3)
Join us for the discussion of Chapters 2-3 of “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone.
Book Synopsis
The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. While the lynching tree symbolized white power and black death, the cross symbolizes divine power and black life God overcoming the power of sin and death. For African Americans, the image of Jesus, hung on a tree to die, powerfully grounded their faith that God was with them, even in the suffering of the lynching era. Learn more about the book at https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Lynching-Tree-James-Cone/dp/1626980055/
Reform: BIPOC Mental Health Awareness
Join us for an evening of Reform as we present and discuss mental health awareness as it applies to "BIPOC" (black, indigenous, and other people of color).
Bolingbrook Pride Picnic and Puppies
NOT A FRIDAY
LOCATION: Bolingbrook Town Center: 375 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook
We are setting up a booth, and we’d love to see you there. Sign up for a few hours to come support and share about the church. SIGN UP SHEET
Here are the event details:
Join us for a fun family picnic and dog rescue benefit (complete with puppy cuddles), music, food, games, and more! Bolingbrook PRIDE aims to support LGBTQ acceptance through family-friendly community activities, and we'd love to have you celebrate with us! All are welcome; kindness is mandatory; bring your friendly and well-behaved doggos on a leash as well!
Enter through the tunnel with the blue, white, and green mosaic, which has a sign for Bolingbrook Town Center. We are behind the building around the pond!
Choose your own entry price!
$5 includes 1 raffle ticket
$10 includes 3 raffle tickets
$25 includes 10 raffle tickets
$50 includes 25 raffle tickets
If you want to donate but are currently low on funds, please consider a non-perishable food or diaper donation. We will deliver all items donated to a local food pantry. Food pantry donation receives 1 raffle ticket. We also have a free option for those for whom cost is a barrier. Please pre-register so we can prepare.
Get your tickets and learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/983494696449932
Movie Night: “Origin” Part 2: Dinner, Movie, Discussion
Join A New Way, in collaboration with our host church Community United Methodist Church, as we come together to eat, watch the movie “Origin,” and discuss the film.
On this second night of the movie presentation, we will have dinner together, watch the second half of the movie, and discuss what the film evokes.
Agenda
7:00 p.m. - Dinner provided by A New Way
7:30 p.m. - Second half of the movie begins, followed by discussion
About the Movie
“Origin” is a 2023 American biographical drama film written and directed by Ava DuVernay. It is based on the life of Isabel Wilkerson, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, as she writes the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Over the course of the film, Wilkerson travels throughout Germany, India, and the United States to research the caste systems in each country’s history.
Please RSVP for free at this link.
Movie Night: “Origin” Part 1: Dinner, Movie, Discussion
Join A New Way, in collaboration with our host church Community United Methodist Church, as we come together to eat, watch the movie “Origin,” and discuss the film.
On this first night of the movie presentation, we will have dinner together, watch the first half of the movie, and discuss what the film evokes.
Agenda
6:30 p.m. - Dinner provided by Community United Methodist Church
7:00 p.m. - Movie begins, followed by discussion
About the Movie
“Origin” is a 2023 American biographical drama film written and directed by Ava DuVernay. It is based on the life of Isabel Wilkerson, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, as she writes the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Over the course of the film, Wilkerson travels throughout Germany, India, and the United States to research the caste systems in each country’s history.
Please RSVP for free at this link.
Book Club: The Cross and the Lynching Tree (Chapters 1-3)
Join us for the discussion of Chapters 1-3 of “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone.
Reading Schedule
Later, we will discuss Chapters 4-5 (August 9).
Book Synopsis
The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. While the lynching tree symbolized white power and black death, the cross symbolizes divine power and black life God overcoming the power of sin and death. For African Americans, the image of Jesus, hung on a tree to die, powerfully grounded their faith that God was with them, even in the suffering of the lynching era. Learn more about the book at https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Lynching-Tree-James-Cone/dp/1626980055/
Reform: What Does Freedom Really Mean?
During this time of celebrating the United States of America’s independence and the notion of freedom for all, Kat Kilian offers up discussion about what freedom really looks like today in our country. Is everyone free? Is everyone free to the same extent? Join us to discuss.
Connect Night June: The Edge: A Story of Self-Understanding
Join us for a night of storytelling with speaker Kim Wells and her story “The Edge.”
The evening will begin with a dinner of salad and soup from Olive Garden. Please join us. RSVP for FREE at the link.
Kim takes the unique combination of intuition and logic and adds plenty of heart to encourage women as the owner of Empowered Existence Speaking. Her background makes her an exceptional problem solver, and she is passionate about connecting with others. She's been called an expert entertainer, a martial artist, a tech geek, a student of the universe and (one of her favorites!) Granny Kim. While the latest trends or fashion flashes regularly escape her notice , people never do. Encouraging their special talents and opening great discussions are what makes her light up. Kim says, “We are all connected. Reach out for that connection! I’d love to help.”
Reform Night June: Cop City
Join us for reform as we talk about the adoption of aggressive, military-style tactics and use of unused military weapons and equipment by police departments. It has been on the rise for decades, and nowhere is it more apparent than in “Cop City,” the nickname given to the massive and expensive Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. City officials say the center could improve policing. Critics claim the effort is militarizing police and endangering communities. We will discuss the ongoing conflict, why there is cause for concern, and efforts to reform militarized policing.
Book Club Launch: Intro to Book Club
Join us as we launch a new part of our ministry: Book Club!
Tonight, we will introduce the format and purpose of the club as well as introduce the first book we will tackle: “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone.
Reading Schedule
We will discuss Chapters 1-3 (July 12) and Chapters 4-5 (August 9).
Book Synopsis
The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. While the lynching tree symbolized white power and black death, the cross symbolizes divine power and black life God overcoming the power of sin and death. For African Americans, the image of Jesus, hung on a tree to die, powerfully grounded their faith that God was with them, even in the suffering of the lynching era. Learn more about the book at https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Lynching-Tree-James-Cone/dp/1626980055/
Marching in the Aurora Pride Parade
NOT A FRIDAY
LOCATION: Downtown Aurora
Join A New Way for our 3rd Annual Pride Parade March!
Join us to walk in the parade. If you’re interested in walking with us, just let us know, and meet us at 11 am to walk over to our spot in line. Here’s a link our meeting location.
Don’t want the fun to end there? Join us for a family-friendly after party at Brother Chimp Brewing in North Aurora (most likely).
Just want to come watch? Here’s what to expect at the parade: On June 9th, come on down to downtown Aurora to celebrate love, equality, and diversity with us! The parade kicks off at Noon, so be sure to get there early for the best spots. This is an event for everyone, so bring your friends, family, and anyone who believes in a more inclusive world.
Expect a day filled with colorful floats, incredible performances, and an amazing sense of community. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, your presence makes a difference. Let's make this year's parade the best yet!
Don't forget to wear your brightest colors and bring your best energy! We can't wait to see you there!
Explore Night June: Part 2 of Exploring “Context” by Josh Scott
Join us for Part 2 of of topics in the new book by Josh Scott: “Context.” This book looks at verses we know by heart but may not know the people, places, and times that give them meaning. Josh Scott delves into these well-known Scripture verses, exploring their true meanings by examining them in their original biblical context. Through this process, he unveils fresh and enlightening interpretations that are often missed when these Scriptures are taken out of context. Led by Leslie Clark.
Celebrate Night May: Welcome to Summer
Join us for a night to celebrate the start of summer. We will be grilling out (burgers, hot dogs) and enjoying each other’s company with music as we welcome in the warmer months. Also learn about how our format is shifting as we move forward on our mission to provide a safe space for all!
Let us know you’re coming by doing a FREE RSVP at the link.
Connect Night May: The Role of Music in Worship
Join us for a night of connection as we welcome musician Danielle David who will speak and perform as she shares about the role of music in worship. Danielle will share not only how music can impact and add to the worship experience, but also how the chosen music chosen can be ANYTHING, which helps make for a more impactful experience and less triggering to those recovering from religious trauma.
Reform Night May: "13th" Part 2, The Prison Industrial Complex
Join us for Part 2 of a discussion about the 13th amendment, specifically focusing on the prison industrial complex.
Explore Night May: A Look at “Context” by Josh Scott
Join us for a chance to explore the new book by Josh Scott: Context. This book looks at verses we know by heart but may not know the people, places, and times that give them meaning. Josh Scott delves into these well-known Scripture verses, exploring their true meanings by examining them in their original biblical context. Through this process, he unveils fresh and enlightening interpretations that are often missed when these Scriptures are taken out of context. Led by Leslie Clark.
Support Night May: Small Group Support
Join us for an evening of being together. We will have time to check in and get to talk to each other about what’s going on in our lives. We will have some initial prompts that will offer food for thought.
Connect Night April: Using Meditation to Connect to Faith
Join us for a night of discussing meditation as Kat Kilian introduces her practice of meditating as a way to bring her closer to and connect with God, prayer, and faith.
Reform Night April: “13th” The History of Racial Inequality in the U.S.
Join us for a discussion about the 13th amendment and how it has rippled through history. Together will we watch segments of the documentary “13th" and discuss the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that U.S. prisons are disproportionately filled with African Americans.
Explore Night April: Exploring the TaNaK and Genesis with The Bible Project
The Old Testament is weighty and complicated. Explore with us the Jewish TaNak (the Bible’s Old Testament) and delve into the particulars of the Book of Genesis through the Bible Project, a narrated, illustrative way to access the text. After the videos we will engage in discussion about what was surprising, was new, or solidified our views on the text.
Support Night April: The Importance of Estate Planning
Join us for a night of support regarding estate planning (all the things you should have in place for your family in case you should die).
Speaker Pillara Henderson-Smith is the leading attorney and principal at Henderson-Smith Law LLC. Her practice areas include estate planning and administration, and she is dedicated to supporting individuals as they create unique plans for an incapacity and death and/or navigate the process of administering a loved one's estate. Pillara's ultimate goal is to empower individuals to create a plan for their family that provides a legacy of support, stability, security, and peace of mind. She understands that every transition brings change, so she is committed to helping families prepare and plan for the future.
Celebrate Night March: Good Friday Reflection and Discussion
Join us for a small group discussion and reflection of Good Friday!
Connect Night March: This Girls Story
Join us for a night of connecting with the voices of teens who identify as girls! Beth Tomas, founder of This Girls Story, will discuss the mission and purpose and explore how supporting girls’ voices is essential for our community and nation.
Note: We will be meeting in the Chapel on the 2nd floor.