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Living Legacies
This service, "Living Legacies," from October 19, 2025, at First Church UCC in downtown Phoenix, explores remembering ancestors and fanning the flame of God's gift within us. Led by Christopher Schouten, Member in Discernment, the service includes sacred stories, songs of praise and worship, and a prayer of transformation. Dr. Johnathan Robinson shares an ancestor story, and Christopher Schouten delivers a message on "Living Legacies," emphasizing forgiveness, nurturing heali
Christopher Schouten
Oct 19, 20257 min read


Called to Courage: Prophetic Voices in a Time of Shadow
Worship Leadership & Sermon @ Scottsdale Congregational UCC, 8/24/25 Introduction: Naming the Moment Friends in Christ, I know you may...
Christopher Schouten
Aug 24, 202510 min read


Reflection on Marcus Borg's Five Interpretations of the Crucifixion
Reflection Paper - TH10610: Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology Christopher Schouten August 2, 2025 In his examination of...
Christopher Schouten
Aug 2, 20256 min read


A Single Word, A World of Hurt: How a Mistranslation Birthed a Culture of Harm
As I stand on the threshold of a life in ministry, my heart is full of hope, a deep love for Christ's teachings of compassion, and, I...
Christopher Schouten
May 23, 20255 min read


Children's Message: Building & Protecting Our Dreams with God's Help
A children's messaged delivered to First Church Phoenix UCC on 5/18/2025 based on the Book of Nehemiah. Good morning, wonderful kids!...
Christopher Schouten
May 18, 20255 min read


A Still-Speaking God, A Pluralistic Path: Our UCC Call in Divided Times
We are part of a tradition that proudly proclaims, "God is still speaking." In these times of deep societal division, I believe one of...
Christopher Schouten
May 9, 20254 min read


Palm Sunday Mashup
When I read this year's Palm Sunday account from the Gospel of Luke, I was left wanting more. I ask myself what details were included in...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 15, 20255 min read


Angels, Mystery, and the Messengers of God
I didn’t grow up thinking much about angels. At least not seriously. In the churches I knew as a child, angels were either characters in...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 13, 20254 min read


Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian - Course Overview & Discussion Assignments
Here is a complete list of the resources used in this class and my responses to the weekly discussion questions. This shows my engagement...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 13, 202528 min read


My Theology of Worship
MP10606 : The Art of Worship – Final Outcome Project April 11, 2025 Table of Contents Introduction Initiation of Worship The Structure...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 11, 202510 min read


Annotated Deep Read of the Book of Ruth
from the Pathways Theological Education course: BF10602:Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian April 7, 2025 Introduction The...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 10, 202522 min read


Joshua, Genocide & Alternative Interpretations of Scripture
BF10602: Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian Week 4 Reflection Paper Using what you have read in and about the Book of...
Christopher Schouten
Mar 1, 20253 min read


Defying the Shadow: Finding Grace in the Dark
Sermon given at First Church Phoenix UCC on 2/2/2025. YouTube video below. Today, I invite you to journey with me to the land of Oz—not...
Christopher Schouten
Feb 2, 202510 min read


Queer Theology: A Journey Toward Deeper Spiritual Belonging
In today’s rapidly changing world, theology is evolving, growing more inclusive and accessible for everyone. One of the most significant...
Christopher Schouten
Oct 7, 20244 min read


Whole Lives Matter: Embracing Intersectionality in a Complex World
Whole Lives Matter because people are complex, intersectional, and fearfully and wonderfully made in an infinite diversity and beauty.
Christopher Schouten
Sep 23, 20245 min read


The Wisdom of "Praise Allah and Tie Your Camel to the Post"
I learned a phrase long ago in my spiritual education from the deep well of Sufi wisdom: "Praise Allah and tie your camel to the post"....
Christopher Schouten
Jul 18, 20245 min read


The Church of Compassion: Recognizing Our Shared Burdens
You never know what another human being is experiencing. By being vulnerable to others, we give them permission to be their whole selves.
Christopher Schouten
Jun 18, 20242 min read
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