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“I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it … Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
–– 1Peter 5:12b, 14b
Just north of 267 weeks ago, I began this weekly devotional in a moment of desperation as we were scrambling to discern how to be the church and do church amidst the isolation of the Covid pandemic. What began as an old man’s feeble attempt at online media-ocrity at the outbreak of the pandemic, transformed into a spiritual discipline of listening for the Spirit hanging out at the intersection of Word and world. The Corona virus challenged the church to discover alternate ways to be the church when we are not able to meet together. Worship, teaching, pastoral care, fellowship, and communication had to take new forms. The journey forward was challenging, at times frustrating and depressing, yet also exciting, hopeful, strengthening, and revelatory. Together we discovered fresh definitions of what a thriving church looked like. As society was compelled to hibernate, our God did not rest, but only redoubled the effort to be our refuge and strength, our very present hope in times of trouble.
Over time, the conversations that followed publication became, for me, a source of nourishment, enrichment, and grace. Hearing your own reflections on the intersection of Word and your world have brought me great joy and a deeper understanding of the stories that form and shape community. I will miss this particular forum for reflection and conversation, but will continue to seek ways to reflect on scripture as a form of conversation. I will also miss you terribly, but having always been encouraged by SMPC’s capacity for change and growth, I trust that God’s Spirit is already sowing seeds from which this unique faith community will bear much fruit. Thank you for your patience in reading my oft-scattered thoughts, and thank you for the immense privilege of walking beside you on this leg of your faith journey.
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