Can the Word “Christianity” Be Saved from the Christians?
Living Room with Frank Schaeffer, Oct 12, 2011

PROGRAM 

7:00-05 pm – Bowie introduced Frank and the evening’s program

7:05-10 pm – Frank read the Prologue from his newest book, SEX, MOM and GOD: How the Bible’s Strange Take on Sex Led to Crazy Politics–and How I Learned to Love Women (and Jesus) Anyway

7:10-30 pm – Talk by Frank (note: the first video below begins with Frank reading the very end of the Prologue from Sex, Mom and God). 

“Frank’s personal journey from growing up in the beating heart of the Religious Right as the son of Francis & Edith Schaeffer, to becoming a convert in the Greek Orthodox church 25 years ago, a father, and a grandfather.  Frank will share how he has made sense of Christianity over the years and how he has come to find grounding in religious practices, more than ideas, and ritual as the context for life’s most treasured shared experiences.”

7:30-50 pm – Q&A – Facilitated by Samir Selmanovic (four people asked questions, then Frank replied to all the questions; repeat)

7:50-8:20 pm – Interactive/participatory/experiential time

12 min – Small Groups (3 people):
Share a childhood memory of attending a religious service with your family OR share who you consider your “faith family” today 

3 min – Frank shared what icons mean to him today in the context of Orthodox prayer. (Bowie and Frank brought small icons to pass around)

12 min – Small Groups (same 3 people):
Share how icons, imagery, or architecture help you feel the presence of God in physical, actual space and time

3 min – Frank’s final reflections

8:20 – Closing Orthodox prayers from www.orthodoxprayers.org

Prayer for Our Children, Relatives & Friends (read all together) 
O God, our heavenly Father, who loves mankind and are a most merciful and compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servants for whom I humbly pray to You to care for and protect. O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love as they do Your will in all things. Give them Your grace, and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working, tireless, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption, and direct them in the way of Salvation, through the goodness of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and the blessed saints. Amen.

Prayer for Peace (read by volunteer) 
Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on the earth. Guide, I pray, all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach us to cease the storing and using of implements of war. Lead us to find peace, respect and freedom. Unite us in the making and sharing of tools of peace against ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression. Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and sisters created in Your image, to Your honor and praise. Amen.

Evening Prayer (read all together) 
O Lord, God our Father, if during this day I have sinned in word, deed or thought forgive me in Your goodness and love. Grant me peaceful sleep; protect me from all evil and awake me in the morning that I may glorify you, Your Son and Your Holy Spirit now and forever and ever. Amen.

5 min – Bowie: Thanks Yous and Announcements

8:30 – 9:15 pm – Socializing and snacks