Over the years, my parents have acquired more than a few sets of China. In addition to their own sets, acquired as wedding gifts and from their times living overseas, they also inherited several sets from their parents and other family members. Looking to downsize their collection a few years ago, they offered Anne & me one of my grandmother’s sets, just as we moved into our new home in 2019. We accepted it but with one important condition.
“The world is exhausting me under a constant barrage of news, conflict, and injustice. I look to my church to feel the love of God fulfilling and refueling me to take on the week.”
This was what one of our BIG Idea Team members shared earlier this summer.
Yesterday following worship, our congregation gathered to make some important decisions about our future. On the surface, the questions before us were simple and straightforward- do we dedicate a portion of our resources for the sake of serving our neighbors? But it’s also true that these decisions would define the shape and nature of this community of faith that we will experience together in the years to come.
One week ago today, I was sitting in a chalet, perched at the 11,000’ summit of one of the peaks in Wyoming’s Teton mountain range. As I was listening to two other church leaders explore ideas of leadership in the future church, I experienced a real “aha! moment.” As they were discussing the effects of the uncertainty during the pandemic and the continuing ambiguity we’re experiencing, I recognized a resonating strain of this same reality for the church I am called to serve.
Do you know the full story behind the proposed sacred settlement that we are developing? Have you wondered about the motivations of our ministry partners at Settled? Are you curious how a new law will help propel churches like Prince of Peace to be more effective in our callings to walk with the poor, bringing aid and comfort, while being transformed in the process?
Today, I’m writing from one of my favorite places on earth. I’m nestled in at the base of the Teton mountains, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, just outside of Grand Teton National Park. The iconic rugged peaks of the Tetons are looming above me and the wide flood plain of the Snake River stretches out before me. This grand backdrop has set a stage for moose, elk, and bear to all make their appearances. And the crisp mountain air is rapidly performing a full exchange in my body, pushing out whatever metaphysical baggage I may have been carrying with me from home, and resupplying me with a renewed breath of the Spirit.