Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on January 9, 2025, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Gratitude” with Rev. Kate Costa, our study leader from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA.

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians, Jews, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities.

       Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                        Islamic Scripture: Quran

      Christian Scripture: New Testament                  Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

The Rev. Kate Costa is the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) in Alexandria, VA. She is passionate about connection and inclusive community, outdoor ministry, empowering youth, and adapting ministry to our digital and sometimes disparate world. She counsels those with personal needs, prepares for baptism or marriage and other life passages, and conducts other special services. She works with the congregation’s leaders to attend to Good Shepherd’s daily happenings and represents GSLC in the community. She has served on the board of Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and the Virginia Council of Churches and is currently the chair of the Stewardship and Mission Support Team of the Metro DC Synod of the ELCA. She graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and the College of William and Mary.

She was ordained in 2012 and previously served as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Culpeper, VA, and associate pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, MD. She lives in Alexandria with her husband and two children.