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This spring, our Bible Study Group has been digging into the parables of Jesus-those unforgettable stories that turn our usual ways of thinking upside down. In May, we focused on the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). It's a story about a landowner who pays all his workers the same full wage-whether they started at sunrise or just an hour before quitting time.

That kind of generosity doesn't sit easily with us. It's not fair, at least not by the world's standards. But that's exactly the point. This parable invites us to see grace not as something we earn, but as a gift freely given by a God who delights in welcoming everyone early birds and latecomers alike.

We explored this parable through the lenses of three thoughtful voices across the

centuries:

• John Calvin reminded us that God's grace isn't a paycheck—it's a mercy that transforms.

• Karl Barth helped us see grace as a person: Jesus himself, God's great "Yes" to the world.

  •  Brian McLaren invited us to imagine a church shaped more by welcome than by worthiness.

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As we sat with the landowner's piercing question-"Do you begrudge my generosity?"—we asked things such as: What does it mean to live in a community where grace, not merit, has the last word? What if God's Kingdom isn't about getting what we deserve, but receiving what we never could on our own?

It's a challenging parable-but a beautiful one. And it sets the stage for what's next.

Coming Up: The Shrewd Steward and the Generosity of Christ (Luke 16:1-13)

On June 4th, we'll dive into one of Jesus' most puzzling parables—a story about a dishonest manager who gets commended for his cleverness. Why does Jesus tell it? What does it say about being faithful in a messy world?

We'll explore how wisdom, grace, and bold mercy might show up in surprising ways-and how Jesus himself may be closer to the story than we expect.

All are welcome to join the conversation, whether you've been with us from the beginning or are jumping in for the first time. No prior experience is needed-just a willingness to wonder together.

As we wrestle with these upside-down stories, and with the God whose generosity never plays by the rules (or what we perceive the rules to be), may we live as people shaped by that grace

—grateful, generous, and always ready to welcome.

Blessings, Pastor Sue

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