Rizpah Mourns Her Sons

Artist Statement:

I don’t know what to say. This story leaves me without adequate ways to fully process the searing pain and utter wrecking of the life of this woman, Rizpah. She is a “low status” wife of Saul . . . Her two sons are sentenced to death as a king fumbles to rectify wrongs that cause a famine in the land.

She gathers her sackcloth and climbs the mountain of God to defend the bodies of her children and their half brothers. She spends day and night for up to six months fighting off birds of prey and animals of the night from ripping apart the bodies of her children and what shred of hope she has
left. David hears of her passionate, radical, public grief and is moved to delayed justice. He calls for the burial of Saul and Jonathan, but also sees to the proper burial of the seven sons that he carelessly offered up to appease God. Justice in this scenario looks like sheltered, buried, dry bones.
Rizpah’s public unraveling causes the unraveling of David’s distorted version of justice. God doesn’t require a human sacrifice for the end of the bloodguilt. God ends the famine when David listens to the voice of this strong, fierce, unraveling woman. I pray that we learn from Rizpah. When we see injustice may we, like Rizpah, climb the mountain of God and defend those who cannot defend themselves. When we see someone unraveling in inexplicable grief, may this sight unravel us from the ways we are entangled with injustice.
— l a u r e n w r i g h t p i t t m a n

This week at Hood:

Wednesday, September 9, 12 noon – Prayer & Inspiration
Thursday, September 10, 10:00 am – Ladles of Love Meal Distribution
Sunday, September 13, 9:30 am – “Unraveled” Series in Worship;
Sunday, September 13, 10:45 am – Parade of Love to our Homebound Members
Sunday, September 13, 6:30 pm – Practicing Midrash Book Study (Join us in person or by Free Conference Call)

Upcoming Events

1. Practicing Midrash–  This book was written by a good friend and mentor of Pastors Jason & Joanie, Rev. Dr. Tim Moore.  We invite you to join us for an engaging book study with the author.  Beginning, Sunday, September  13th, we will engage in a five week book study.  We will learn about the ancient practice of midrash and learn new ways to interact with the scriptures.  The author, Tim Moore will join us via Free Conference Call video.  There will be opportunities to participate in person or live online.  Books are available at the church office.  Please let Jason know if you’d like a book.  

2. September Super Sundays of Service–Each Sunday in September, we will have opportunity of service to our community that all ages can participate in.  As the dates approach, we will give more details about how you can participate and when and where supplies will be available for pick up. 

This week: September 13–Shut in Parade
After church on Sunday, we will once again travel to the homes of 4-5 of our homebound members and honk our horns, wave, and offer signs of love to each of them. This small parade was well-loved by each of our members last time and we want to continue to let each of them know that their church family cares for them. Please join us immediately following worship. We will caravan as soon as we clean up from our worship service (approximately 10:45 am).

3.  Baby Book Shower-We look forward to welcoming a new baby in the church family in October. We have been praying for Rosemary Giberson and we can’t wait to welcome new life. We want to shower Rosemary and her family with lots of books and stories for her new baby. She wants to start a library for her little one. Bring your favorite children’s book to share or you may make a donation and we will go and buy books to start the book collection.

4. Amplify Media-OUR BIG NEWS! We are giving everyone in the Hood Church Family a FREE GIFT – Amplify Media! It’s like Netflix-Hulu-Cable for our church family. By being part of Hood Memorial Christian Church, you can have your very own account for free giving you access to hundreds of inspiring stories, insightful teaching and powerfully motivating shows. Amplify is accessible all the time, and on almost any device you use to watch video. If you are connected to the Hood Church Family, then watch your email for our church access code and instructions to get Amplify onto you TV, Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone! In the next few weeks we will be inviting our entire church family to engage in Fun and Discipleship together from the safety of our homes through Amplify Media!
PARENTS: There are great shows for kids to teach all about our faith and the stories of scripture! You will want to get this rolling right away for your kiddos!