Media Matters Works influencing the life of FPCA


Down to Earth: The Hopes and Fears of All the Years Are Met in Thee Tonight, by Mike Slaughter with Rachel Billups


Jesus’ resurrection isn’t the greatest miracle in the Bible, argue the authors of this book and DVD study. Scripture describes numerous other people who were raised from the dead not only by Jesus but also by the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Instead, the authors write, the greatest miracle is Jesus’ incarnation—taking human form and literally bringing faith in God down to earth.


Down to Earth: Te Hopes and Fears of All the Years Are Met in Tee Tonight examines the implications of being transformed by a God who walks, talks, and lives alongside us.


It’s the latest in FPCA’s ongoing series of small-group studies to mark the key liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. Chapters from the book are augmented by video segments, with discussion led by facilitators who guide group gatherings held on varying days of the week at host homes or locations on the FPCA campus. Te five-week Advent small-group study got under way the week of November 6 and will continue through the week of December 11, with one week off for Tanksgiving.


Authors Mike Slaughter and Rachel Billups—Methodist pastors at Ginghamsburg Church near Dayton, Ohio, and the authors or coauthors of several previous books—offer down-to-earth reflections on aspects of spiritual life such as love, humility, lifestyle, and obedience.


Te authors ground their reflections in everyday realities such as family gatherings. Tey note that conversations focused on politics, controversial events, or philosophical differences can disrupt, yet a spirit of grace and love can foster community among dissimilar people.


Te book was published in 2016, making examples and potential topics of group conversation immediate and topical, whether references to a divided political climate, substance abuse, or Syrian refugees.


Small groups are important to the life of our congregation. Participants benefit not just from fellowship but also from support in their walks of faith through sharing stories, discussing challenges, offering perspective, and holding each other up in prayer. Many participants vary in age


and background, providing a microcosm of the church and a key way to form close relationships in a large congregation.


Groups are not strictly seasonal. Numerous groups meet throughout the year. Others form and gather intermittently outside of Advent and Lent. Over the summer, for example, a small group convened to discuss spiritual issues raised in the work of minister and author Rick Warren.


For more information about small groups at FPCA, contact Pam Weiss at pam.weiss@fpcallentown.org or call the church office at 610-395-3781.


“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in


human likeness.” —PHILIPPIANS 2:5–7


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