The Beaty family has experienced significant change in recent weeks as we delivered our oldest child to his college campus and new season of life. Like anyone sending off a child, we have been processing parental losses: an empty bedroom, an empty seat at the dinner table, even less laundry. But one of the things I miss the most is the loss of my movie buddy. A big bowl of popcorn and a great story created shared space of joy. One of our favorite movie genres was sports drama. We especially loved true stories of grit and glory - movies like, We Are Marshall; Remember the Titans; and Woodlawn. We would cry (at least I would) and we would laugh together. We would grieve over losses, and we would cheer over victories. I have recently noted that crying and cheering must not be meant to do alone.

The same is true in real life.

Two weeks ago, about 25 pastors and other leaders from the conference joined together to begin talking through the questions, “Who are we?” and, “Where are we going?” We explored what makes us unique, our unifying characteristics and calling, and how will we pursue Kingdom growth together, particularly around Project 250 priorities. In summary, our next six years will be focused on the following: Embracing our Identity, Making Disciples, Multiplying Leaders and Ministries, Pursuing Global Impact, and Representing the Full Body of Christ. We noted that these are not simply goals created and communicated by denominational leaders. These are the driving passions for all of us who love Jesus and are committed to seeing others come to know him, too.

As this planning group met together in brainstorming sessions and over meals, we laughed together, and we cried together. We identified shared goals and characteristics which make us different from each other. We discussed recent wins and grieved losses together. We celebrated what we are already doing well and noted areas in which we must focus growth energies.

I wish that you could all have joined us for these conversations – acknowledging again that life is best experienced in sharing moments of grit and glory. However, if you are reading this newsletter, you are part of our team.

You will be invited over and over again through the coming months and years to participate in these conversations and in the pursuit of these goals together. Over the next six years, we will be working together to partner well in humbly and courageously walking in the Spirit, trusting God’s power to show up in our brokenness, and anticipating his movement in our midst. We will seek to love Him and to love each other well. We will continue to strive for excellence and effectiveness in making his name known in our communities and our circles of influence. We will plan together, work together, celebrate together, and grieve together. That is what it means to be part of the same team.

The past few years have been excruciatingly difficult for most in leadership. Many of us have experienced deep loss and have questioned our ability to keep going. This summer, as I was reading 2 Corinthians 4, I was encouraged by Paul's reminder to the church so many years ago:

“Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart…We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us….so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 4:1, 7, 15

This is the essence of grit and glory. In this world, we clearly know brokenness, disappointment, and loss, but we also know the Resurrection, Healer, and Life-giver. We who are deeply loved by the Savior, who have been forgiven and cleansed by his grace, who are being transformed by his power, are invited to partner with him in his plan for the world. And we will do this together as pastors, ministry leaders, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and teammates. He has given each of us a specific context to work out our faith, but we are stronger when we remember that we are not alone. We have the Spirit living in us, and we have each other. May the grace of God that has so greatly impacted our lives continue to produce fruit and thanksgiving here in the Susquehanna Conference.