More on Hope - William Willimon turning again to Karl Barth's reflections.
To the person who doggedly, persistently denies the lordship of Christ and turns away from the open hand of salvation, "God does not owe eternal patience and ...deliverance" says Barth. But if there are limits upon the love and patience of God, those matters are in God's hands, not ours. Though we must not expect certitude in these matters, says Barth, we can still "hope," because it is a matter in the hands of the sovereign God. "That...you may know...the hope to which he has called you...God put this power to work in Christ...And he has put all things under his feet...the fullness of him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:18-23). Such hope is not wishful thinking but rather engendered in us by scripture such as Romans 12:29 on the irrevocable gifts of God and 2 Timothy 2:13 on the desire of God.
If we cannot expect certainty. Then we live a conditional life...a maybe life...a questionable life...a life that always makes us doubt what will be. I may be reading this all wrong, but it sounds like there is a little door open that allows for something other than the salvation of all - that is...a complete announcement of Good News - not withstanding the doubt and troubles of the world. When we talk about hope it is a hope that contains all that will save us...all that will save. When this word is not boldly and even recklessly thrown out as a gift for all, it is so easy to fall back into some other word that keep us running in circles of conditionality that really are the conditions we seem to want to put on an unending announcement of God's Reign over all things. We do not limit God when we speak of God's unlimited grace and welcome. In fact, it is so beyond us to know about this grace and welcome that we cannot full grasp it...but it keep unfolding among us and surprising us like a fresh breeze that turns our heads again and again.
Connection: One word - forever - without end - unbreakable promise. The day can be shaped in new ways under the rule of such a word.
Creating God, you bring us into life with the promise that the fullness of your Reign is available to each of us. A life we have and a life we can share and a life that continues to blossom in unknown ways. Amen.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday 28 August 2009
The wideness of this hope in salvation continues as Willimon calls upon Karl Barth's insights.
Of course there are people who resist or deny this cosmic, political claim about sovereignty. But how much credence ought we to give to human resistance and denial? If Jesus Christ died on the cross to defeat human sin, Barth is reluctant to concede much continuing power to human sin, which is why Barth was charged by many as guilty of "universalism." Barth denied the charge, saying that he was willing to concede that self-damnation might be an "impossible possibility" but to assert "universal salvation" would do "violence to the New Testament."
What Barth denied in the idea of apokatastasis (the hope of universal restoration) was to make universal salvation inevitable. To in any way imply that God must save would be to make our salvation a law or a general principle and to do so would be to limit the freedom and sovereignty of God.
When it says here that Barth was willing to concede that self damnation might be an "impossible possibility," it reminds me of a prominent Lutheran theologian who when asked if he believed in hell hesitated for a moment and said "yes, but I don't think anyone will be there." This is all up to our God who is God...not us. What does it hurt us to look at others as though the Christ who saves us...saves all. In some ways, it unleashes the power of hope...hope that can and does already liberate all of humanity so that we might more fully be human - the image of God - to and with one another. We are not to draw from the New Testament witness laws that are not a part of the Good News. When the Good News of God's gracious activity is turned into something we can chart and therefore seem to control, we have lost the wonderful surprise that is the power to overwhelm and change and make new all things...without our say so.
Connection: This makes me wonder what are some of the "impossible possibilities" that contain and limit who God can be among us. I'm sure it happens daily - at least.
Your saving power, O God, does not hold back and overflow on merely a few or even - most. Instead you simply overflow with a love that makes all things new. It is a love we cannot control and a love that keeps touching your creation in ways that brings life within the bounds of your unbounded love. Praise to you, O God. Amen.
Of course there are people who resist or deny this cosmic, political claim about sovereignty. But how much credence ought we to give to human resistance and denial? If Jesus Christ died on the cross to defeat human sin, Barth is reluctant to concede much continuing power to human sin, which is why Barth was charged by many as guilty of "universalism." Barth denied the charge, saying that he was willing to concede that self-damnation might be an "impossible possibility" but to assert "universal salvation" would do "violence to the New Testament."
What Barth denied in the idea of apokatastasis (the hope of universal restoration) was to make universal salvation inevitable. To in any way imply that God must save would be to make our salvation a law or a general principle and to do so would be to limit the freedom and sovereignty of God.
When it says here that Barth was willing to concede that self damnation might be an "impossible possibility," it reminds me of a prominent Lutheran theologian who when asked if he believed in hell hesitated for a moment and said "yes, but I don't think anyone will be there." This is all up to our God who is God...not us. What does it hurt us to look at others as though the Christ who saves us...saves all. In some ways, it unleashes the power of hope...hope that can and does already liberate all of humanity so that we might more fully be human - the image of God - to and with one another. We are not to draw from the New Testament witness laws that are not a part of the Good News. When the Good News of God's gracious activity is turned into something we can chart and therefore seem to control, we have lost the wonderful surprise that is the power to overwhelm and change and make new all things...without our say so.
Connection: This makes me wonder what are some of the "impossible possibilities" that contain and limit who God can be among us. I'm sure it happens daily - at least.
Your saving power, O God, does not hold back and overflow on merely a few or even - most. Instead you simply overflow with a love that makes all things new. It is a love we cannot control and a love that keeps touching your creation in ways that brings life within the bounds of your unbounded love. Praise to you, O God. Amen.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Thursday 27 August 2009
Willimon continues to quote from Karl Barth - on hope.
Barth says, "There is no one who does not participate in him in this turning to God there is no one who is not...engaged in this turning. There is no one who is not raised and exalted with him to true humanity 'Jesus Christ lives, and I with him.'" Salvation is not so much a commentary on who decides for Christ ("Since I gave my life to Jesus") as it is a celebration of those for whom Christ has decided (You don't so much give you life to Christ as Christ takes it.). Barth says that it is important for the church to admit this salvation of God "is for each and every human being, and not merely for the people of God."
I find that there is usually a line of people who are attempting to make sure that some folks are not a part of those people who are grasped by God. It might be a part of who we are. We want God to be for us and with us. It can be quite difficult for us to see others in this same embrace. That...it the sheer wonder of this story - this reality - this Reign that is not ours to control. For even the person who runs from anything that has to do with the stories of our God for us and the life-death-resurrection of Jesus, is already a brother and sister. We do not have the opportunity to pick and choose. God's net is broadly thrown. In that way, even those who are quite at odds with us in what they say and do are already those who are claimed by God - eternally claimed. With that in mind, we are given the power to live with them with new eyes. This might be what makes it possible for Jesus to say "love your enemies" since they are first of all the beloved of God....just as I am.
Connection: In some ways when we are asked how many members there are in our congregations, we need only responds...more than we can imagine.
When your love rules, O God, we are brought into a reality that is far beyond what we usually allow ourselves to see. To see our enemies and the other...the stranger...the "those folks," as being with us around the table of your banquet feast is a gift you continue to attempt to feed to us. Help us to sit and eat at this table. Amen.
Barth says, "There is no one who does not participate in him in this turning to God there is no one who is not...engaged in this turning. There is no one who is not raised and exalted with him to true humanity 'Jesus Christ lives, and I with him.'" Salvation is not so much a commentary on who decides for Christ ("Since I gave my life to Jesus") as it is a celebration of those for whom Christ has decided (You don't so much give you life to Christ as Christ takes it.). Barth says that it is important for the church to admit this salvation of God "is for each and every human being, and not merely for the people of God."
I find that there is usually a line of people who are attempting to make sure that some folks are not a part of those people who are grasped by God. It might be a part of who we are. We want God to be for us and with us. It can be quite difficult for us to see others in this same embrace. That...it the sheer wonder of this story - this reality - this Reign that is not ours to control. For even the person who runs from anything that has to do with the stories of our God for us and the life-death-resurrection of Jesus, is already a brother and sister. We do not have the opportunity to pick and choose. God's net is broadly thrown. In that way, even those who are quite at odds with us in what they say and do are already those who are claimed by God - eternally claimed. With that in mind, we are given the power to live with them with new eyes. This might be what makes it possible for Jesus to say "love your enemies" since they are first of all the beloved of God....just as I am.
Connection: In some ways when we are asked how many members there are in our congregations, we need only responds...more than we can imagine.
When your love rules, O God, we are brought into a reality that is far beyond what we usually allow ourselves to see. To see our enemies and the other...the stranger...the "those folks," as being with us around the table of your banquet feast is a gift you continue to attempt to feed to us. Help us to sit and eat at this table. Amen.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Today is a continuation of this hope that is available to us - again William Willimon.
Politically, this means that Jesus' victory has left us with only one realm - the kingdom of God. Other principalities, whether they be those of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Satan, exist now only in our minds, in our constrained imaginations, as mere shadows of their former selves. Barth says that Satan's realm is a "shadow kingdom," a pseudo-kingdom that is no longer a significant threat to anybody now that Jesus Christ rules. "This kingdom is behind us and all (people). We and all (people) are released from ...this prison." The world has been exorcised. That's one reason why at baptism, we ask candidates for a renunciation of participation in the realm of evil and wickedness. Baptism is a sort of transfer of citizenship. Baptism into Christ saves. (1 Peter 3:21).
This really emphasizes the way we are of another kind. We are followers of Jesus - who brings life in and through all times. This is also why some authors call us "aliens" as we go about following Jesus. To be baptized into the is life sets us free from the powers that would try to make us into something other than the beloved of God. Therefore, our hope is not in what can happen within the powers of the world, our hope is in the One who creates and redeems and sanctifies who is pulls us into a life that does not depend on how well we can conform to the world. We are a people transformed into that which we cannot see clearly...but is a part of the promise - the hope - of life that shines like the Lord who leads us along the way. It is important to remember that as we walk in the gift of this new life, there are times when we must renounce evil and wickedness. Usually people see that as a need to point fingers. No. I think it has more to do with taking a step away from those powers and stepping in the promise of life already at hand in Jesus. It is a contrary way to go and yet it is a reality that is present. I like the sound of baptism being a "transfer of citizenship." It has that feeling of "among us..." Among us we welcome...we offer ourselves....we forgive...we embody justice and peace...we become mercy alive for all...
Connection: Baptism gives us a vision of how to live...and what is promised. Not a bad way to face whatever will come before us.
Lord of Life, continue to bless us with this water that drenches us and makes us citizens of your eternal Reign even as we live within the temporary powers of the day. Amen.
Politically, this means that Jesus' victory has left us with only one realm - the kingdom of God. Other principalities, whether they be those of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Satan, exist now only in our minds, in our constrained imaginations, as mere shadows of their former selves. Barth says that Satan's realm is a "shadow kingdom," a pseudo-kingdom that is no longer a significant threat to anybody now that Jesus Christ rules. "This kingdom is behind us and all (people). We and all (people) are released from ...this prison." The world has been exorcised. That's one reason why at baptism, we ask candidates for a renunciation of participation in the realm of evil and wickedness. Baptism is a sort of transfer of citizenship. Baptism into Christ saves. (1 Peter 3:21).
This really emphasizes the way we are of another kind. We are followers of Jesus - who brings life in and through all times. This is also why some authors call us "aliens" as we go about following Jesus. To be baptized into the is life sets us free from the powers that would try to make us into something other than the beloved of God. Therefore, our hope is not in what can happen within the powers of the world, our hope is in the One who creates and redeems and sanctifies who is pulls us into a life that does not depend on how well we can conform to the world. We are a people transformed into that which we cannot see clearly...but is a part of the promise - the hope - of life that shines like the Lord who leads us along the way. It is important to remember that as we walk in the gift of this new life, there are times when we must renounce evil and wickedness. Usually people see that as a need to point fingers. No. I think it has more to do with taking a step away from those powers and stepping in the promise of life already at hand in Jesus. It is a contrary way to go and yet it is a reality that is present. I like the sound of baptism being a "transfer of citizenship." It has that feeling of "among us..." Among us we welcome...we offer ourselves....we forgive...we embody justice and peace...we become mercy alive for all...
Connection: Baptism gives us a vision of how to live...and what is promised. Not a bad way to face whatever will come before us.
Lord of Life, continue to bless us with this water that drenches us and makes us citizens of your eternal Reign even as we live within the temporary powers of the day. Amen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Today we will begin a section of "Who Will Be Saved?" that deals with "for what might we hope." Willimon uses some thoughts by theologian Karl Barth.
Karl Barth revived the question of whether we can hope, whether we should hope, that in the end all will be saved. Let me quickly sketch Barth's take on salvation. Barth loved the phrase "Jesus is Victor!" even more than the biblical "Jesus is Lord." Jesus is not just love but active, resourceful, victorious love that has defeated principalities and powers, stripped them of their pretense, and forever secured all creation as his territory. Although many (most?) of the human beneficiaries of Christ's saving, victorious work may be oblivious to Christ's triumph, that doesn't change the fact. God's Genesis assault upon chaos was brought to glorious fulfillment in Jesus' victory on Golgotha. The providential grace of God that many experience in their day-to-day lives is the same as the redeeming grace of God that confronts us and saves us in the cross of Christ. Both divine actions (creation and redemption) have the same divine purpose - to draw all things unto God.
"God's Genesis assault on chaos" - what a vivid description. The powers and principalities that keep binding up God's people and throwing them around as though they are worthless is remade into the image of God. It is not a violent assault, just a very thorough one. No one is left out of that image because God brings all things into new life and makes room within creation for all...never, ever just some. Our God busts things wide open and remakes all things. This also, when added to the life of Jesus, is an active power...the power of love that transforms all for all.
Connection: We are each, therefore, a living word of hope. How can we speak anything other than that eternal truth for all?!?!
Lord of Creation and Redemption, you have completed all things and continue to shape us by your life-giving power so that your love will be the image of our life together - a witness to all and for all. We give you thanks. Amen.
Karl Barth revived the question of whether we can hope, whether we should hope, that in the end all will be saved. Let me quickly sketch Barth's take on salvation. Barth loved the phrase "Jesus is Victor!" even more than the biblical "Jesus is Lord." Jesus is not just love but active, resourceful, victorious love that has defeated principalities and powers, stripped them of their pretense, and forever secured all creation as his territory. Although many (most?) of the human beneficiaries of Christ's saving, victorious work may be oblivious to Christ's triumph, that doesn't change the fact. God's Genesis assault upon chaos was brought to glorious fulfillment in Jesus' victory on Golgotha. The providential grace of God that many experience in their day-to-day lives is the same as the redeeming grace of God that confronts us and saves us in the cross of Christ. Both divine actions (creation and redemption) have the same divine purpose - to draw all things unto God.
"God's Genesis assault on chaos" - what a vivid description. The powers and principalities that keep binding up God's people and throwing them around as though they are worthless is remade into the image of God. It is not a violent assault, just a very thorough one. No one is left out of that image because God brings all things into new life and makes room within creation for all...never, ever just some. Our God busts things wide open and remakes all things. This also, when added to the life of Jesus, is an active power...the power of love that transforms all for all.
Connection: We are each, therefore, a living word of hope. How can we speak anything other than that eternal truth for all?!?!
Lord of Creation and Redemption, you have completed all things and continue to shape us by your life-giving power so that your love will be the image of our life together - a witness to all and for all. We give you thanks. Amen.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday 24 August 2009
I'm always amazed how "things' seem to fall together. Here is a continuation of William Willimon's notes on who shall be saved. After a week at the ELCA Assembly it is a blessed picture to consider.
Picture Paul preaching this bodacious, universal claim to a little group of Christians huddled together at their house church in Colossae:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all things have been created through him and for him...in him all things hold together... For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross" (Colossians 1:15-20).
To unite all things in him. To reconcile all to himself. All. Just when we settle in - just me and my friends who are saved - here comes Jesus proclaiming. "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also." (John 10:16)
Time and time again it is so easy to be comfortable with what we have and who we are. I really do think that all of us would love to spend our time with those like us. That may be a large group or a small one. The defining point here is that they will be somewhat like us. Maybe we are drawn to one another because we have shared a bit of the same pathway on our journey through life. I could be that we shared an experience together - at the same place - in the same way - at the same time. Then again, it might be that once our comfort zone has been reached we settle down and attempt to keep what we have among us.
Then, we keep telling stories about this Jesus character who tickles us...makes us look around...invites us to open our eyes and look into the eyes of people who are not within the limits of our designated group. Jesus goes on and keeps talking about all. This all will not be like the "all" we consider "all of us." Rather, it is a never-ending all...an expansive all...an all that stretches each one of us so that we begin to catch onto this character of Jesus. This is how the church is formed. We are stretched beyond ourselves without losing our own gifts that are then shared with all.
This all stuff...this salvation that will not let us go...stands ready to move us within reach of one another and there we will see a glimpse of God's Reign as it becomes us.
Connection: Uniting does not mean we lose our self...but it does mean that we find more of ourselves within the full embrace of the other...who helps us see what our Lord sees in us. That is a different way to see where we are going.
Blessed Lord, re-united us even as we attempt to stay away and live for ourselves and only with those who keep us just as we are. Stretch us...again. Amen.
Picture Paul preaching this bodacious, universal claim to a little group of Christians huddled together at their house church in Colossae:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all things have been created through him and for him...in him all things hold together... For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross" (Colossians 1:15-20).
To unite all things in him. To reconcile all to himself. All. Just when we settle in - just me and my friends who are saved - here comes Jesus proclaiming. "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also." (John 10:16)
Time and time again it is so easy to be comfortable with what we have and who we are. I really do think that all of us would love to spend our time with those like us. That may be a large group or a small one. The defining point here is that they will be somewhat like us. Maybe we are drawn to one another because we have shared a bit of the same pathway on our journey through life. I could be that we shared an experience together - at the same place - in the same way - at the same time. Then again, it might be that once our comfort zone has been reached we settle down and attempt to keep what we have among us.
Then, we keep telling stories about this Jesus character who tickles us...makes us look around...invites us to open our eyes and look into the eyes of people who are not within the limits of our designated group. Jesus goes on and keeps talking about all. This all will not be like the "all" we consider "all of us." Rather, it is a never-ending all...an expansive all...an all that stretches each one of us so that we begin to catch onto this character of Jesus. This is how the church is formed. We are stretched beyond ourselves without losing our own gifts that are then shared with all.
This all stuff...this salvation that will not let us go...stands ready to move us within reach of one another and there we will see a glimpse of God's Reign as it becomes us.
Connection: Uniting does not mean we lose our self...but it does mean that we find more of ourselves within the full embrace of the other...who helps us see what our Lord sees in us. That is a different way to see where we are going.
Blessed Lord, re-united us even as we attempt to stay away and live for ourselves and only with those who keep us just as we are. Stretch us...again. Amen.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday Blog from Columbus - ELCA Assembly
When the final vote was taken on the fourth Ministry Proposal Bishop Hanson asked to address the Assembly. The fourth Proposal passed (68.48% For; 31.52% Against). The Bishop continued in a very pastoral address. It was profound, direct, honest and meant to be a word from the Word for all sides of this issue. Bishop Hanson brought it down to visits that must be made in a congregation.
The First is to a household/family that has suffered a great loss and those in the family are distress with grief and sadness. He said he would read from Romans 8: "What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ, Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who love us. For I am convinced that neither.....nor......will be able to separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The Bishop then said what if he also had to visit with ones who were now welcome after being left out of the family for so long. He read from Ephesians 2: "...now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is. the hostility between us."
And then the Bishop wondered what to say if together with those who had suffered loss or had dividing walls coming down were others who were worried about what now be in the life among them. He read from Colossians 3: "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body."
The room was silent and I thought our Presiding Bishop was one of the most pastoral leaders I have ever seen stand before a body divided and yet -- united in Christ. This is not to say all things are well and good. There is still division. There is still the miracle of healing that is always a part of the promise of God's Reign.
To be quite honest, I am still a bit shaken by the whole week and the actions taken. Those of you who know our congregation know that we have been through many of the dynamics of change that come when the doors are held open and we take up the task of walking together faithfully and within the gracious embrace of our God in Christ, Jesus. We are all aliens. We are all adopted sons and daughters. We are all parts of one body. In time, things change. The solid rock never changes and the vision of God's Reign never changes. But as time passes, we are given new glimpses of how that Reign unfolds around us. To live an see in new ways is not at all easy. That's why we pray. That is why we continue to draw near to the Scriptures. That is why we throw water and speak of dying and rising in Christ...again and again. That is why we come to the table to eat and drink the life that is ours in, with, and under all things.
This Tuesday all the rostered leaders will be meeting with the Bishop. I'm sure all synod Bishop's will be drawing rostered leaders in for conversation. We must all pray for the well-being - the wholeness - the peace of the church. That's what is always needed when we are called to walk together faithfully even as we differ.
Christ's Peace! pastoral
The First is to a household/family that has suffered a great loss and those in the family are distress with grief and sadness. He said he would read from Romans 8: "What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ, Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who love us. For I am convinced that neither.....nor......will be able to separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The Bishop then said what if he also had to visit with ones who were now welcome after being left out of the family for so long. He read from Ephesians 2: "...now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is. the hostility between us."
And then the Bishop wondered what to say if together with those who had suffered loss or had dividing walls coming down were others who were worried about what now be in the life among them. He read from Colossians 3: "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body."
The room was silent and I thought our Presiding Bishop was one of the most pastoral leaders I have ever seen stand before a body divided and yet -- united in Christ. This is not to say all things are well and good. There is still division. There is still the miracle of healing that is always a part of the promise of God's Reign.
To be quite honest, I am still a bit shaken by the whole week and the actions taken. Those of you who know our congregation know that we have been through many of the dynamics of change that come when the doors are held open and we take up the task of walking together faithfully and within the gracious embrace of our God in Christ, Jesus. We are all aliens. We are all adopted sons and daughters. We are all parts of one body. In time, things change. The solid rock never changes and the vision of God's Reign never changes. But as time passes, we are given new glimpses of how that Reign unfolds around us. To live an see in new ways is not at all easy. That's why we pray. That is why we continue to draw near to the Scriptures. That is why we throw water and speak of dying and rising in Christ...again and again. That is why we come to the table to eat and drink the life that is ours in, with, and under all things.
This Tuesday all the rostered leaders will be meeting with the Bishop. I'm sure all synod Bishop's will be drawing rostered leaders in for conversation. We must all pray for the well-being - the wholeness - the peace of the church. That's what is always needed when we are called to walk together faithfully even as we differ.
Christ's Peace! pastoral
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