With the onset of these warm days, I’ve taken to working outside, up on the patio that is above the Bandel Room.  You can be forgiven if you didn’t realize this space existed.  Although that is in the process of changing.  We are slowly transforming the patio and making it available to folks who are looking for a quiet place to enjoy some quiet time.  I have grown to really love this space.  It is quiet.  It is above the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.  From this space, I can choose to ignore what is happening at street level and focus on whatever task I’ve assigned myself for the day.  However, if I choose, I can pause from my labors and observe all the comings and goings of an active neighborhood. 

I see people walking their children in strollers.  I see some who are on their way to shop.  Others are keeping body and soul together through exercise.  I can see the activity at the Bowling Green.  I observe the social rituals of this generation of high schoolers who are on their way to lunch.  I see people who seem to interpret the stop sign at Olive going onto D Ave. as an inconvenient  suggestion.  One of my favorite sights is when people are out walking their dog(s).  So much life.  So much vitality.  In all my years of ministry, I’ve not had a church setting that was so connected to the daily rhythm of life.  This is one of the things that I love and appreciate about the special nature of this community. 

Having lived in so many other places throughout my life, I am coming to realize that this pace of life is not something everyone has the benefit of.  It feels healthier.  I feel as though I am more in tune with my neighbor and my surroundings.  This has served to ground me in ways that other places I’ve called home couldn’t afford.  I would never suggest that Coronado is perfect.  Every community has its challenges and its conflicts.  What I see is people who have moved outside of their own personal bubbles and are engaging with the community and the world around them.  In a world like this, the possibility that we can build meaningful relationships and community is much greater.  This will always be the case when we take the time to know our neighbors.

These relationships and these possibilities are what Jesus foresees as he teaches us about the kingdom of heaven.  It is why the writer of the Gospel of Matthew front-loads his witness to Jesus with this teaching we know as the Sermon on the Mount.  When we commit ourselves to embody Jesus’ teaching, the community that we can build together is extraordinary.  It is healing.  It is reconciling.  It makes space for people to belong.  I’ve always known this Scriptural truth.  I’ve always believed it.  This is made all the more special by seeing it unfold in and through the St. Paul’s community.  It is also a blessing to be part of a church community who actively takes this life and kingdom view out into the world every week.

Pastor J.T.