4.24.11 -- Easter

EASTER Sunday: To Galilee & Beyond!

            I love to watch movies. I can watch all kinds of movies. I love action, comedies, dramas, romantic comedies, and animation. I even like a little suspense – but I don’t really like war and scary films. I really love to just sit down with friends and watch a movie. There’s a lot of films I like. I have a bunch of favorites. I like Elf, and the Holiday. I like Back to the Future and About a Boy. I like a bunch of films. Sometimes our friends joke about how many movies we have – that we have our own little rental store.

            I like the stories in films. I like to watch, and be caught up in the life of the story.

            What are some of your favorite films? Since there are kids in here of all ages - what are some of your favorite movies? What stories do you enjoy?

            There’s something about stories, isn’t there. We can come back to the same movies over and over again – there’s something about the story. I like to be engaged, and caught up in the story; wrapped up in the dialogue and the movement of the characters.

            I probably like it best when I can connect with one of the characters. Good or bad, I don’t know, I often get caught quoting lines from films. You know, it probably started with Wayne’s World or Encino Many. A friend of mine just a few weeks back, commented that quoting lines from films just might be the identifier of our generation.

            Sometimes random quotes just pop into my mind. Do you ever have that happen? It happened to me this week as I read through the day’s Gospel Text. It was a random line, but I think it applies.

           

            Today we come to the part in the story of Jesus’ where he had been brutally killed, humiliated, and he had died and been buried. But today, this morning, as the women went to the tomb, they found the stone, this big – giant rock, had rolled back and Jesus was not there.

            Afraid! Astonished! The women stand there. And before them, rather than a dead lifeless body – stands an angel of the Lord.

            Yeah – they’d be a little freaked out. Even with all the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ own words, the reality of the day would be pretty amazing!

            Jesus, tortured, spit-upon, pierced, bled and died. In the midst of Fridays desperation and separation – today, Easter Sunday, we join the angels singing praises to the Risen One – as Jesus Christ is raised from the dead.

            It’s a beautiful, life changing, inviting story. But it is a story that is not done at the Resurrection. Yes, we celebrate the Resurrection. We celebrate the resurrections power in our lives – from being set free from addictions and illness. But the story of Jesus Christ, his power and his resurrected life is not over with Matthew 28:10.

            I believe, and I hope you do too, His story lives on today. His story is still being told, still grafting life and characters in it. I believe as we hear the story of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we must continue on and read through the end of the book.

            The two Mary’s, the Scripture tells us, are freaking out. They run to tell the disciples what they just saw and experienced. And on their way – Suddenly Jesus met them. They’re still kind of shaken by the whole situation right? So, Jesus in his calming voice tells them “Do not be afraid; Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

            So, obviously the story is not done right? There’s gotta be something in Galilee. Something has to happen in Galilee. As I read this passage, I can’t help but wonder – Why Galilee? What is it about Galilee?

            If we look back throughout the Scripture, lots of things happen in Galilee don’t they. We notice Jesus spent most of his public ministry there. He spoke their language and probably shared their country lifestyle. He knew the customs, dialect and people. He was at home in Galilee. Perhaps if Jesus could be comfortable anywhere, he could be comfortable in Galilee. But beyond Jesus’ comfort, because let’s be honest, he’s going to be comfortable anywhere on this side of the crucifixion – I believe he speaks of Galilee, he is really looking out for his friends, and their comfort.

            There’s something about stories. Even coming back to the same ones over and over again – there’s something about the story. I like to be engaged, caught up in the story; wrapped up in the dialogue and the movement of the characters.

            So, let’s continue on in this story of Christ’s Resurrection. Let’s look at this ending of the resurrection story as the second bookend in a set.  “Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God”. That’s the first bookend.  And then, at the end of his story, the heavenly messenger tells the frightened women at the tomb, “He is not here, he is risen! Come and see the place where he laid. But now, Go quickly and tell disciples that He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” So, that’s like the second book end.

            But still... why Galilee?

            Well maybe he is saying, “Now that you’ve read the story, go back and read it again... but this time, do so with resurrection eyes. When Jesus goes off to pray, consider the resurrection. When Jesus touches a blind man and makes him see, envision the resurrection. When Jesus takes a child into his arms and speaks of accepting the kingdom of heaven with a childlike spirit, view it from the perspective of the resurrection. When Jesus feeds thousands, heals lepers, brings the dead back to life, see it all, sense it all, feel it all from the perspective of having experienced the resurrection.”

            Perhaps this part of the story of God is simply a bookend on a shelf. It’s not the end. The bookend is not the end of the shelf. There’s still room! There’s still room to fill that shelf. Perhaps this extension to Galilee is just like that.

            So what is it about Galilee?

            Perhaps Jesus was looking out for his friends. Maybe Galilee was exactly where Jesus wanted his disciples to be, to reflect, and to remember. Perhaps he knew that in Galilee everything would come back. Rather than focusing on the cross, perhaps they could revisit all those wonderful times they walked along the lakeside, ate meals, fed thousands. Perhaps they could revisit all they had experienced with Jesus, in the familiar spaces of their homes. Perhaps in Galilee the last few years would make better sense to them.

            Now, they are confused, grief-stricken, without hope. But Galilee would bring a sense of recognition. Jesus will be waiting for them there, and in his presence Galilee will bring understanding. Galilee will offer new life.

            We need to know what happens in Galilee, so we can’t stop here. It’s like we need a sequel. We need to know what’s next, how does it play out. I remember watching the Passion and thinking the way they ended it left room for a sequel: The Resurrected Life of Christ. So, we have to go on. We have to go to Galilee. We have to continue reading this story within the larger context.

            So let’s do that. And as we do, we’ll find the disciples, perhaps eager or weary or uncertain of what was awaiting them – journey back home. Once in Galilee the disciples meet up with Jesus and he says to them: (in verse 18) ““All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

           

            I like stories. I like to read them and watch them. And I probably like it best when I can connect with one of the characters. When I can relate to what they’re going through.

            Thinking about movies - If I could paraphrase the post Resurrection story in the voice of a Disney Character, the catch phrase would be: To Galilee and beyond!

            “To Galilee and Beyond!” We have to go to Galilee, but we have to go beyond!

            For us, I believe what going to Galilee represents – is our need and ability to look back upon our lives. We have to look back upon our history, looking with resurrection eyes, at the way God has been present and involved. We have to look back upon our experiences to remember how God held our hand during the hard times, how he empowered us in our moments of weakness, and how he guided us upon the unmarked roads.

            I believe what we’re being called to do is, “as we look at our life story, to go back and see it with resurrection eyes. When your son goes to Kindergarten, consider the resurrection. When your daughter goes off to college, consider the resurrection. When Jesus touched you when you were sick, envision the resurrection. When you held that newborn baby, look at that tiny new life within the perspective of the resurrection. When you were hungry and you were fed, when you were sick and healed, when you were lonely and comforted, see it all, sense it all, feel it all from the perspective of having experienced the resurrection.”

            This is how we are to see our lives. We are to see God’s hand of resurrection, his hand of restoration, his hand of life giving love resting and participating on us.

           

            But Jesus reminds here in this Matthew text that we cannot get stuck in Galilee. Galilee is not the final destination. We must be willing to look forward. We must journey beyond. The power and presence of God in our lives in the past is something to remember and empower us. It is not something to Idolize. We must go “to Galilee and Beyond!”

            The Resurrection is not something for us to put in a little box and set on a shelf. It’s not a trophy. You know, in our own lives and even in the life of our church, we must not allow the past stories of God’s actions to cripple us from participating in his life now; in what he wants to continue to do. We must not let our past experiences become so exciting or all consuming that they hinder us from stepping into the next chapter.

            The Resurrection really isn’t something we celebrate only once a year – on Easter Sunday. The resurrection is for everyday. Christ’s Death and Resurrection are for Sundays for sure, but they’re also for the Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays! Our Lord calls us to step out – each day – with a new perspective; a perspective of life within the Resurrection. 

            You see, the bookends are really just space holders. On my shelves, I use bookends when I don’t have enough books to fill the shelf. The bookends are for when I don’t have enough stories to fill the space between the walls of the case. The beauty of the bookend is that it moves to accept the next book. It scoots over, and over and over as new stories are added.

            I believe with all my heart that God wants to be engaged in our lives – and he wants to help us widen the shelf. He wants us to keep adding stories of his goodness to our lives. He wants to invest his resurrection in us that we may have story after story after story of his redeeming presence.

            I believe God wants to be engaged in our lives – that we may have story after story after story of his redeeming presence, to share with others! His Great Commission is a commission of action. The first two words are probably the most powerful. He says: THEREFORE GO. Therefore GO. We are to go. We are to go and share the good news of his resurrected life in us. We are to share the things that have happened.

            We all have something don’t we. We all have ways that God has stepped in and loved, supported, and carried us through. It’s these stories of transformation that we are to go and share with the world.

            We live in LA – the world is here! The world is right here. There are thousands of people within walking distance of where we sit. Thousands of people. The world is right here. Christ compels us to meet him in Galilee (in our home town) and reflect upon his ongoing presence in our lives – and then to Go.

            Go. Get up – take your mat, and walk! The resurrected Christ doesn’t want us waiting around in the city, bemoaning the death or the loss, or the failures. Christ is RISEN. Christ is living, Christ is still speaking. Christ is still engaging our lives – he still wants to form and shape resurrection stories in your life!

            Hear Christ calling out to you. Hear his voice as he says “To Galilee and Beyond!” Allow the story of the Risen Lord – to wash over your life. Allow the reality of the Resurrected One to transform your lenses – and step out of the past and into God’s saving, grace filled, loving story. Step into the story that is still relevant, still being told, still being shaped, and still inviting you to participate!

            This is a beautiful, life changing, inviting story. Are you a part of it? Have you changed your perspective? Has the Resurrection of Christ impacted who you are? Have you changed your affiliation, your association – from that of the empire to God’s Upside Down Kingdom? Have you allowed Jesus to give you new eyes – to look at life through the loving lens of the Resurrection?

            If not - Would you like to be a part of this story? The resurrection is a beautiful, life changing, inviting story. Jesus stands with you as he invites you this morning into this loving, life giving, and transforming story?

            Christ compels us to meet him in Galilee (in our home town) and reflect upon his ongoing presence in our lives – and then to Go. Go. Get up – take your mat, and walk! Hear Christ calling out to you. Hear his voice as he says “To Galilee and Beyond!” Allow the story of the Risen Lord – to wash over your life. Allow the reality of the Resurrected One to transform your lenses – and step out of the past and into God’s saving—grace filled—loving story. Step into the story that is still relevant, still being told, still being shaped, and still inviting you to participate!

            Let’s all go “to Galilee and Beyond!”

As you go, live within the ongoing story of Christ’

— Good Friday —

Good Friday

Luke 23:26-38 (Crucifixion)

            We gather this day—a day traditionally called Good or Black Friday—to remember Jesus Christ.

            We remember how Jesus was betrayed and beaten. We remember Christ’s scars and his brutal crucifixion. Today as we walk, as we pray, and as we hammer nails into a cross—we admit our own frailty and participation in His Death and Sacrifice.

            Today is an awkward day.

            Today is a day we often want to simply skip over and forget. We usually want to move so fast that we skip this day. We might celebrate the season of Lent by giving up chocolate, shopping or caffeine, but then we skip over the death of Christ; The Death of Christ, the Crucifixion of Christ.

            Because really, death is not something we often want to celebrate or think about. So often, we want to move from Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem (which we celebrated this past Sunday) and skip over the week’s events and go directly to Easter.

            But when we do that, when we move so quickly and we fog over Good Friday, we short-circuit something crucial. For how can we look to the Resurrection if there hasn’t been any death?

            We gather this day—to remember Jesus Christ. We remember how he was betrayed and beaten. We remember his scars, and his crucifixion. As we walk, as we sing, as we pray, and as we hammer nails into a cross—we admit our own frailty and participation in His Death and Sacrifice.

            As awkward as it is, today we give great significance to one of the most brutal forms of capital punishment the world has ever known!

            Crucifixion was intended to provide a death that was particularly slow. It could take hours or days for the crucified to die. It was particularly painful. Hence our current term excruciating, which literally is "out of crucifying" because it is so painful. It was gruesome, humiliating, and very public!

            Crucifixion was often performed to terrorize the crucified, but also to terrorize and dissuade the onlookers, those walking by, the gawkers. It was a public tool to enforce power and keep the people from perpetrating and participating in the actions of the crucified.

            Within a week, Jesus was condemned to die. He was forced to carry the crossbeam of his death penalty on his shoulders to the place of execution. A whole cross weighing up to 300 pounds, and the crossbeam around 75–125 pounds; after being beaten, stripped, and abused, our Lord was forced to carry his burden. He was expected to carry the cross he was to die upon.

            As awkward as it is, today we give great significance to one of the most brutal forms of capital punishment the world has ever known!

            While a crucifixion was an execution, it was also a humiliation. As Jesus experienced, He was forced to carry his cross through town, he was beaten. He was spit upon, and he was stripped of his clothes – and he was stripped of his dignity. He was made as vulnerable as humanly possible.

            Today is a day we often want to skip over and forget. We usually want to move so fast through our lives that we skip over this day. Really, death is not something we want to think about or celebrate. But we must! We must pause and remember. We must recognize the pain and suffering Jesus endured. We must not glaze over it. We must remember.

            We gather this day—to remember Jesus Christ. We remember how he was betrayed and beaten. We remember his scars. We remember his crucifixion. As we walk, as we pray, and as we hammer nails into a cross—we admit our own frailty and participation in His Death and Sacrifice.

            Today, we remember the real Life, Blood, and Body that was pierced and placed upon a cross and died.

            Today, we remember Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

4.17 - who is this?

Palm Sunday: Who is this?

As I read the story of Palm Sunday this week found in Matthew chapter 21, the people of Jerusalem, with their question, stood out to me. The people of Jerusalem asked: “Who is this?” Who is this Jesus?


And this is the question for us as well. Who is this Jesus?


On this day, thousands of years ago, as Jesus journeyed into Jerusalem, the crowds sang Hosanna and they waived palm branches. But, have you ever wondered, as I have, why we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?  He’s been there before, so why do we celebrate? Why are the people that day, thousands of years ago waiving palm branches and laying down their coats?


Why do we sing Hosanna?  Why do we decorate with Palm Branches?  What is it about this day, and these symbols that mean so much to us?


Essentially what the people from the countryside and the villages were doing as they entered Jerusalem, with Jesus, was displaying their political signs for all to see. They were displaying all their hopes and their dreams of the future, including salvation from the current tyranny from the Romans.


When the crowds shouted Hosanna! and waived their Palm Branches they were certainly expecting great things of Jesus; particularly in regards to the politics of the day. In many ways, the actions of Palm Sunday were much like a current political rally or march. They were practically and visibly displaying their hopes and dreams for a new leadership.


The people had bought into the notion that the Empire could and would offer them salvation. Yet the Jews at the time did not believe Rome was capable of offering them salvation. They wanted, and believed they needed a king from the line of David. They believed, as Jesus was entering Jerusalem on the brink of Passover, that He would be their empirical saving king. They were fed up with Rome, a nation with many gods rather than the One. They believed only God’s chosen and anointed one could rule God’s chosen people with justice and righteousness.


And there they were, with great expectations, awaiting their salvation, salvation from the current hierarchy. They came to the city with hopes and expectations that Jesus would be their next David. They expected a man carrying a slingshot and sword. They expected a warrior, a champion, a hero. They expected Jesus to come in and replace the Romans with the Jews. They came that day, celebrating the release and relocation of those in power.


If you look back in the previous chapter of Matthew, chapter twenty, they really were thinking politically as two disciples even asked to be sat on the left and right of Jesus’ throne. Clearly they were thinking empirically. Clearly the problem of the day was that although the crowd offers the right words and actions, with the hosannas they sing and the Palm Branches they waive, they desired a salvation that is not a solution. It’s not a solution to their problems or the problems of the world. It’s not a long-term, life changing solution. They merely sought political prestige and independence.


Today we sing and wave our Palm Branches, not because we, like those before us, expect Jesus to follow in the way of the Empire. No, we sing because we still celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into our lives. We, as followers of Jesus’ way, resist the notion that the world is for us and for our kind. We resist the notion that salvation is something the world provides through its power and prestige. We sing and celebrate because with Christ’s help we resist the structure of society and its empirical power pyramid, backed by fear and force.


We are able to rest and find our place in the kingdom of God as we faithfully follow in the humble steps of Jesus. As we follow his way, we – you and me, are able to live as he did. We are empowered to live in humility. We are set free to let Love reign in us.


This week I read a story of a guy who loved baseball. He went to games all the time. And what I read was his story of a particular trip to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play. He said he arrived a little late that day, and as he crested the top of the stairs to the entrance to his seats, before he could see the field, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Apparently something had happened on the field that had people out of their seats and roaring. He quickly looked at his ticket, located his row and wiggled down to his seat. As he approached his seat, the man next to it was going wild with cheers, whistles, and applause. Embarrassed that he got there late and didn’t know what happened, he shyly tapped the guy on the shoulder and asked him “what happened?” Without the slightest embarrassment the guy next to him said, “I don’t know; I just got here.


I’ve had this happen to me before! I’ve walked in and immediately been caught up in the excitement. And this is exactly what is happening in Jerusalem. And, so it makes perfect sense why the people asked “who is this”!


As I read the story of Palm Sunday this week, the people of Jerusalem, with their question stood out to me as they asked: “Who is this?” Who is this Jesus?


And this is the question for us as well. Who is this Jesus?
Jesus is the humble king. He is the king of an upside down kingdom, a kingdom where Christ came for the poor, the sick, and those who are in need. Our humble king was born in a manger. He is the 
King who rode into town upon a donkey.


Jesus is the one who kneels down and washes the feet of his friends.
The humble king, Jesus Christ, came for you and for me.


Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus reminds us to love the Lord our God with all our heart soul mind and strength, and our neighbor as our self. Jesus Christ, the one triumphantly riding into the city upon the back of a donkey, a symbol of peace, came proclaiming uncompromising, unconditional love. A love for humility and humanity!


That’s who Jesus is!
But as our city asks this question, perhaps we need to make it a bit more personal. Who is Jesus to you?


I hope we all have a personal story and experience with the Living God. I hope his story in our lives stretches beyond the crowd’s declaration. The crowds were saying: “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Yet, I hope we are able to move beyond this simple declaration of prophet and location and move into the declaration that he is the living, relational God who so loves the world…!


I hope we are able to move beyond the empirical hopes and dreams of a new empire… And celebrate the coming of the Humble King; the Humble King, who came not for the rich and healthy, but for the poor and the sick. I pray that as we wave our palm branches, that we realize our empirical hopes and dreams become the ash of tomorrow.


“The whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?
On the cusp of Holy Week, Who is Jesus to you? As we prepare to remember Christ’s betrayal and crucifixion, who is Jesus to you? As we remember Christ’s death, who is he?


As we look forward to the coming days, did Jesus endure the stripes and the nails that we may go on living within this empirical society? Did Christ hang, broken on the cross so we may be disconnect from the realities of today and focus on the life beyond? Did Jesus walk, talk, and embrace the stranger that we may turn our eyes and walk on the other side?


“The whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
I’d like to read you a relatively famous description of who Jesus is from Pastor S.M. Lockridge titled: My King


The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.
I wonder, do you know Him?


My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.
Do you know Him?


He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.
I wonder if you know Him today?


He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek.
I wonder if you know Him?


He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.
Do you know Him? Well…


His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…


He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.


“The whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
Who is this Jesus?


Who is this Jesus we claim to love? Who is this Jesus we claim to serve? Who is this one, whom we say we follow? Has his life, death, and resurrection impacted and transformed who we are and how we see the world?


Who is this Jesus?
Do you know him?
Do you follow him?


Have you stepped out of the empirical world with its focus on power, prestige and self-gratification – and into Christ’s upside down kingdom where the first will be last, and the last will be first. Where we wash each other’s feet, and humbly serve others – that they too may come to know the one who is the servant of all!


This week as we step into the biggest week of the church year – when asked who Jesus is, be bold. Share your story. Share how he has stepped into your life. Share how Jesus Christ has transformed you and share how you will never be the same again! Don’t be shy about your relationship with the Risen Lord – as the Apostle Peter was.


Rather, when the whole city is in turmoil, and is asking, “Who is this?”  Boldly pronounce the powerful presence of the Humble King in your life!


We see him, we see our humble king seated upon a donkey. We watch him, we watch our humble king wash the feet of his followers. We’re shown the humility of our lord as he was baptized by one and anointed by another. 


The Palm Branches remind us that salvation does not come from this world’s empire. Salvation comes from the LORD!  This morning we celebrate Christ’s humility and his willingness to provide himself as our true salvation.  Today, this Palm Sunday, we are invited into God’s Kingdom, where the humble King greets the lowly and invites you, the sick, the broken, the hope-filled seekers of a new kingdom into his Loving embrace. This morning, we can lay our hopes before God and seek his way, and seek his will, and seek his power for our lives!  His humble, loving power!


Who is this Jesus?


He’s the one standing at the mouth of the tomb, with his arms outstretched, ready to embrace you with his humble life of love.

As you go, allow your affiliation with Christ the Humble King to be evident to all. Go and Love!

a bit of time

It's been a bit of time since I last posted. This is partly due to the fact of not knowing how/what to write in times of transition and specifically in regards to private matters. Well, really, private - yet soon to be public.

What am I talking about?

Moving.

Back at the start of the New Year, we were discussing and looking at options for relocating. One ministry stood out to both of us and the conversation ensued.
Perhaps what's interesting, is that it's back in So Cal. Perhaps interesting still, it's a beach town. Well, this may not be interesting to you right off, so let me give some background. I told Bree several years ago that if we ever moved back to California it'd have to be to a beach town.

And here we are - living in Redondo Beach. We live about 2.5 miles from the beach. And our ministry is within the Beach Cities (Hermosa, Redondo & Manhattan - Beach). As random as it is, I didn't want to move back to California unless we were in a beach town - and that's where we are!

It is exciting to begin a new phase in ministry and life... It's exciting to see how God will (continue) to move within this church and in this community. I am excited to see how God uses me - and particularly in regards to creating space where his Kingdom is displayed.

Throughout this transition  and the months ahead, perhaps as I come to mind, pray that I might have wisdom, discernment, and strength.