Greetings in the spirit of the risen Christ.

In the day to day movement of life, it is sometimes possible to lose track of important things.  Thankfully the foundational parts of our life and our identity are not easily lost forever.  Our core will always be with us.  Occasionally it is buried by life, requiring us to break out a shovel and a broom, but it is always there…waiting to be rediscovered. 

Over the last several days, I’ve had numerous experiences that have reminded me of the power and formational possibilities contained within our life together.  The relationships that we nurture within the Body of Christ are more than acquaintances shared over an infrequent cup of coffee.  As we worship together, learn together, fellowship together, and serve together we share something more than time and space.  We share and are nurtured by the grace and fullness of God’s love for our self and each other.  We reflect God’s face to each other.  In this sharing, each encounter is the opportunity to learn a deeper lesson of God.  In a culture that seems to value wealth over mercy, competition over compassion, and power over collaboration it can feel as though our lives are being dismantled piece by piece. 

To follow Christ within the community of faith, we choose something different.  To follow Christ is to embrace the possibility for renewal and restoration that come from a commitment to self-giving love.  When we choose the way of Christ, we maintain a safe harbor for our neighbors to find refuge from a world that seeks every day to commoditize us for someone else’s gain. 

I realize that not everyone will have experienced the world in such stark and unforgiving terms.  Many have had the good fortune to have lived pretty safe and uneventful lives.  That being said, I also believe that some of you have experienced this world has a barren and unforgiving place.  No matter where you might consider yourself on this spectrum of experience, the fact that we really do need each other is an absolute truth.  The life that we nurture as Christ followers is the gift that the grace of God works through us to bring healing and hope to others.

The investments that each of us make in this life together are significant.  They really do matter.  There is no metric by which we keep score, because it isn’t a game.  Each single act adds to our life together.  Every time we worship together, learn together, fellowship together, and serve together nurtures, strengthens, and transforms us.  Our primary call is not to gain new members or increase worship attendance.  However, if we love people, make space for people, and make a kingdom difference in people’s lives our community will grow…because the world is hungry for it. 

So, ring the dinner bell.  It is time to prepare the feast.

Pastor J.T.