Practicing Rest, Delight, and Renewal Together
In a world that prizes productivity, speed, and constant availability, the ancient rhythm of Sabbath comes to us as a countercultural gift. Marva J. Dawn’s Keeping the Sabbath Wholly invites us to rediscover Sabbath not as a rule to follow, but as a way of life that restores our humanity and deepens our joy in God.
Each week of this four-week worship and discussion series will explore one of the core movements of Sabbath practice—Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, and Feasting—and invites us to experiment with small, meaningful shifts in our daily lives.
Whether you’re new to Sabbath or longing to reclaim it, this series offers space to breathe, reflect, and be renewed. You’re invited to join us in worship on Sundays at 10a (IRL, via Google Meet, or Streaming on YouTube), in conversation on Wednesdays at 7p (via Google Meet), and in a shared commitment to receive the Sabbath as a holy gift.
📘 Four‑Week Reading Guide
Based on Marva J. Dawn’s Keeping the Sabbath Wholly (a FREE digital copy can be found here)
This guide is designed to help you read alongside the worship and discussion series. Each week includes a focus theme and suggests chapters. (Page numbers may vary by edition.)
Week 1 — Ceasing: Letting Go of What Wears Us Down
Focus in Worship: Why Sabbath begins with stopping
Suggested Reading:
- Introduction
- Section I: Ceasing (Chapters 1-7: Ceasing Work, Ceasing Productivity…)
Week 2 — Resting: Receiving God’s Gift of Renewal
Focus in Worship: Rest as resistance and restoration
Suggested Reading:
- Section II: Resting (Chapters 8-14: Spiritual Rest, Physical Rest…)
Week 3 — Embracing: Turning Toward What Gives Life
Focus in Worship: Sabbath as a posture of openness
Suggested Reading:
- Section III: Embracing (Chapters 15-21: Embracing Intentionality, Embracing the Values of Christian Community…)
Week 4 — Feasting: Celebrating God’s Abundance
Focus in Worship: Joy as a spiritual discipline
Suggested Reading:
- Section IV: Feasting (Chapters 22-28: Feasting on the Eternal, Feasting with Music, Feasting with Beauty…)
✨ Join Us on the Journey
Throughout this series, we’ll explore practical ways to weave Sabbath into our homes, our relationships, and our shared life as a church. You’re invited to bring your questions, your hopes, and your longing for rest.
Come discover how Sabbath can reshape your week—and maybe even your life. We hope you’ll join us in worship and discussion!