Crossing Waters and Crossing Cultures

On many occasions, God has planted me in communities unfamiliar to me; communities where few people look like me, or share similar life experiences. For whatever reason, God has blessed me with numerous cross-cultural encounters throughout my adulthood. Each place has been a gift, and a way in which to build character. While striving to flourish in a new surrounding is a great opportunity for growth, it can also be a place of risk, discomfort and fear.

Jesus had several significant cross-cultural encounters, particularly when he crossed the Sea of Galilee, the symbolic barrier between the land of the Jews and Gentiles. It was on the other side that he encountered the Canaanite woman who asked healing for her daughter. Even though Gentile territory would have been repulsive to the religious Jews; the Bible is clear: God is the creator not just of the Hebrew people, but of all people.

Scripture uses the metaphor of crossing water as a physical symbol of crossing cultures. The raging waters and the storms at sea provide great imagery for what it is like to cross the chasm from one culture to another culture.

In the gospel story, Jesus invites Peter to step out from the boat and to walk on water. What is it like to live only in the comfort of the boat? What is it like to step out in faith and to trust in the presence of God? When we board the boat to cross the raging waters, what do we take with us? What can we leave behind? What new territories are there to discover? What does it mean to recognize that Jesus exercised control over nature, calming both the waters and the storms at sea? How do we maintain our focus only on Jesus and not the rough seas?

Join us for a six week summer study “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat’ by John Ortberg.

Get involved in the wonderful transformation in spirit and relationships happening here at QAUMC! People are connecting in ways that we only hoped would happen. Continue the momentum by participating in this small group study.

July 19 - What’s Water Walking?
July 26 - The Tragedy of the Unopened Gift
August 2 - Find Your Calling and Get Your Feet Wet!
August 9 - Facing Our Challenges, Conquering Our Fears
August 16 - Good News for Cave Dwellers
August 23 - Learning to Wait on Our Big God

For more information or to reserve your spot in the class now contact Carol at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .