An outreach ministry, based on actually doing what Jesus did most: eating, serving, and learning.
What happens at The Living Room?
This is kind of a house church situation, only instead of a house, we have a little room in a church (almost no one we know is able to afford housing here, so USSJ’s location next to City Hall is a real asset).
As this ministry has evolved, it’s opened up from a young adult ministry, to an all-ages dinner focused on learning about our surrounding community. We will be having guest speakers in November and December from places like City Hall and the San Jose Peace and Justice Center to tell us how SJ has evolved, and what’s coming down the pike for our fair city. Stay tuned for a more detailed schedule of events, but in any event, Sunday nights 6:30-8:30 is ALWAYS dinner time.
What do you believe?
We believe in blending passionate commitment to God with the grateful humility to question our beliefs. We seek to be more like Jesus by doing what he did, rather than believing what we’re told to believe. We don’t think anyone’s going to hell, or that God hates anyone, or that people of other religions need to change their minds. If you want to put us in some kind of box, we are somewhat aligned with the Emerging Church, ideologically speaking. (This book is a good start too, if you’re a reading/writing learner.)
Who can come?
Meeting people in Silicon Valley is hard. Most of the people you meet are at work, but it’s not like you can really have Ultimate Meaning Conversations by the break room fridge. There’s not a lot of spare time for socializing. It’s especially hard if you’re young, new in town, or not in tech. So… all are welcome.
You don’t need to be a member of Urban Sanctuary, and we’re not going to pressure you to join. The point is to build a locus of relationship, not to get more people to join our club.
Important note:
This is an open and affirming space, and we’re committed to social justice. That means that the intersections of race, class, gender and privilege will not only be discussed, but that our interactions with one another and the community will be conducted with these in mind. Obviously hate will not be tolerated; what’s more challenging is creating a space that does not reflect the dominant (white, straight, patriarchal) culture. We can do this, but only if we work together!
Please RSVP to [email protected] if you’re planning on coming, so we can make sure to have enough food!
When is it?
Starting on September 8, every Sunday from 6:30-8:30 pm, just off the Sanctuary. You may park in the lot next door.
What should I bring?
It’s a potluck, so anything you like! Bring a casserole. Bring cookies. Bring bread. Bring iced tea. Whatever. We’ll have at least one vegetarian, and she’ll bring a vegan option.
The biggest thing, though? BRING. YOUR. QUESTIONS. Donations are always welcome too, especially to help defray childcare costs.
Special thanks to Brianna and Alisha Morales for the official Living Room logo!
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Important change to The Living Room:
Starting in November, TLR will be an all-ages group!
We will still meet on Sundays at 6:30, but we’ll be adding guest speakers with areas of expertise like economic development, history, and social justice in San Jose. The object is to get to know our neighborhood, together! (And yes, there will still be free food.)
“And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts.”
1 Peter 4:10