Does the world around you look like it's falling apart? There's increasing fear, division, and demonization as people entrench in their various political and ideological camps. Folks wearing the label "Christian" are increasingly saying things that sound nothing like Christ, and supporting causes and actions in their communities that dehumanize and harm.
Do you sense that following Jesus in this moment must mean more than anxiety, resignation, or retreat? You are not alone in feeling that the ordinary tools of Christian spirituality are being tested by the extraordinary challenge of this historical moment.
In For Such A Time As This: An Emergency Devotional, theologian Hanna Reichel—Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary—invites us into practices of discernment, courage, and hope in the midst of social and political upheaval.
Drawing on deep scholarship and pastoral wisdom, Reichel offers short, Scripture-rooted meditations to help Christians navigate polarization, the rise of authoritarianism, and the collapse of assumptions many of us took for granted. Along the way, we will consider how stories such as the Confessing Church’s resistance to Nazism and other examples of faithful courage can inform our own responses to the challenges of this moment. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it may be helpful for you to read and reflect on this book with a small community of others feeling the same way.
About 20 pages of reading each week as we go through the book at a slow and reflective pace.
75-minute weekly sessions that you can attend in person or via Zoom.
Each session will include a pastoral reflection on the material, group discussion of what we've read, and conversations about practical steps to take in our own lives.
Sessions will be recorded for members to access later.
Group size is limited to allow space for discussion.
Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:45 PM
8 Weeks, January 8 - February 26, 2026.
In Person: The Bridge House, 2816 SE Harrison Street, Milwaukie OR 97222
Online: Via Zoom
Cost: Free to register.
Optional: If you want to help cover the cost of this group, you can become a Patron of my work through the Apprenticeship Lab. You'll get an opportunity to do this when you register. My patrons give me time to do events like this and help cover the costs for those who can't afford them.
Facilitated by Marc Alan Schelske. Co-sponsored by Bridge City Community Church & The Apprenticeship Lab.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.
Readings to be discussed and other resources for this week.