It’s no secret that we’re living in divided times. Some borders are drawn–and redrawn–on maps. Others run through nations, communities, even families, shaped by histories and hurts we remember differently, convictions and loyalties we hold dearly. The book of Ruth knows something about such borders.
A deceptively simple little story, Ruth complicates what we think we know about strangers and neighbors, national identity and belonging, ourselves and the “other” in our midst. It offers no easy answers to the complications of its or of our day. Instead, it draws close and asks what becomes possible when lovingkindness, curiosity, and relationship begin to unsettle the stories we’ve told ourselves.
In a time when kindness and compassion can feel in short supply, perhaps this ancient story can help us tell different stories about each other and imagine a better way of navigating what divides us.
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9/13 |
Leaving |
Ruth 1:1–22 |
Homecoming Sunday with pancake breakfast following worship |
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9/20 |
Receiving |
Ruth 2:1-23 |
Sunday Open Door Group 11 am-12 pm |
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9/27 |
Claiming |
Ruth 3:1-18 |
Sunday Open Door Group 11 am-12 pm |
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10/04 |
World Communion Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley |
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10/11/2026 |
Committing |
Ruth 4:1–12 |
Sunday Open Door Group 11 am-12 pm |
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10/18/2026 |
Belonging |
Ruth 4:13–22 |
Sunday Open Door Group 11 am-12 pm |
ENOUGH
October 25–November 15
What if we began with the possibility that there is enough? Really. Enough time for what matters. Enough to build a life that’s rich in the ways that count. Enough of ourselves to offer. Enough to go around.
It may not always feel that way. We know too well what it is to worry about what’s ahead, run short, stretch ourselves and what we have.
Jesus doesn’t dismiss those realities. But he does invite us to see them differently—to look again at our lives and what we’ve been given, and to wonder: what might change if we lived as though there were enough?
Here’s an overview of the scriptures and topics for this series:
More details and instructions will be shared with you in the coming weeks.
October 25—”Is there Enough?” Luke 12:22-34, Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pet to JKPC for a blessing!
November 1—”When is Enough Enough?” Luke 12:13-21, All Saints Day
Submit names and photos of loved ones who have died in the past year to be remembered in worship.
November 8—”Am I Enough?” Luke 10:38-42, Time & Talent Inventory
Reflect on the unique gifts you have to offer and explore where they might intersect with needs in our community.
November 15—”Is There Enough to Go Around?” Luke 9:10-17, Pledge Sunday
Whatever the size or shape, all of us can help support our life and ministry together in 2027.
