Seeing the Other | Not as the Other

Ephesians 4:1-3
Unity in the Body of Christ
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

My youngest child is in a really amazing preschool program. The kids play a lot, they do crafts, and they dance. They are supervised and guided, but given freedom to express their unique, developing character. There are many reasons why I am so grateful for the experience he is having.

I have been lucky to have some really good conversations with his head teacher. She is passionate about education, studies education, observes, contemplates and believes in the natural process of learning. She is a wise, studious, strong and patient person and I have developed a lot of respect for her through our conversations. As a woman of color and a mother, she has been faced with too many unnecessary, ignorant and hurtful situations. I wonder, how can we get her running a diversity program in all schools? How can I play a supportive role? We need to hear from her, our kids need to see her leading.

In preparing myself to write something about “seeing the other”, I came across this study about how being exposed to people of all body shapes and sizes makes us more comfortable around all different body types. Of course. We know we are being mentally trained to prefer “skinny and tall” when we flip through magazines, watch shows, commercials and clothing ads. What then must be happening when we flip though our history books in elementary school and memorize the presidents, the leaders of our country? How do we present this to our youth, to our students? Diversity, or lack of diversity, needs to be addressed. In this era, kids of all ages should be taught about changing this and given history lessons on women of color who have been scientists and astronauts, politicians and great doctors, engineers and writers, film directors and teachers. How do we expect anything to change if we don’t address it head on?

My son’s teacher was asked how she would approach racism in a classroom:
“I talk with individual children, and I later follow up with a group discussion facilitating open ended questions about respect, diversity, tolerance, and a small glimpse of US history.

I have also read picture books that talk about different skin complexions where they are celebrated but have a message of us all being connected as human beings. I teach art projects on skin colors where children can make self portraits using colors that they choose that represents how they see themselves. Or just a small circle time, everybody laying on their tummies, sticking their hands in the middle, and looking at all the shades we are, allowing dialogue to take place of what differences they notice, and why those differences exist.

My favorite preschool book to use with any age is The Colors of Us by Karen Katz. If children as young as two can recognize physical differences, then they are old enough to learn about positive perspectives on skin color (in a developmentally appropriate fashion, of course).”

While it is so important to open hearts and minds as Jesus’ exemplified, we must also be dedicated enough to take the time to listen to "the other" and be humble enough to lift them up into leadership roles so that all our children can grow up with these examples and be naturally comfortable around people of color who really shouldn’t even be seen as “the other”. Truly, those we deem as "other" are our neighbors, our friends and our family. They should more often be our coworkers, our bosses, our teachers, and our role models.

Similar to “seeing the other”, Jesus says “love your neighbor”. Consider this review of what Jesus said about loving our neighbor http://www.christianbiblereference.org/jneighbr.htm :
“In His sermons and parables, Jesus seeks to shock us out of our selfishness and worldliness and create in us a true passion for the welfare of our fellow men, women and children around the world. Universal love is at the very heart of Jesus' teachings; it is God's earthly work for us.

What matters to God is our love for Him and our love for each other. Wealth, power and status count for nothing in the kingdom of God. When we truly love our neighbors, we do our part to make the world a better place, and we find our own fulfillment in life.”

If diversity hasn’t found its way into your daily life, seek it out with love, respect and intention. I assure you, there is no lack of amazing people of color, it is a history that lingers on and presents division in our present day life. Without intention, we will not break the divide. We must ask ourselves, are “wealth, power and status” guiding our actions or inactions? And if “universal love… is God’s earthly work for us” what are we doing to assure that it is spread amongst us all? Furthermore, are we lifting up those who have been held back? Are we supporting those that have been unfairly treated? Are we assuring that our children see “the other” with the heart and love of God? In this present day, I believe it takes more than teaching kindness. If “the other” is not visible, how will we ever see them?

I know my son is growing and developing in such a beautiful way through this preschool program. Additionally, it provides a framework for my son to see the world and acknowledge the beauty in its fullness.

Ephesians 4:15-16
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

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About the Author

Leona is a wife, mother and traveler who is intrigued by how different people live. Her latest project is exploring ways that different walks of life can simplify, in order to live a fulfilling journey.

Seeing the Other | When We Were Young

“Tattoos and no-tattoos can be friends,” my 5-year-old daughter interjects into our small group’s conversation about tattoos on a Tuesday evening.

Yes, I assure her, we can be friends with people who look different from us.

We live in divided and divisive times. We can categorize our neighbors into endless groups. Red states and blue states. Christians and “non-believers.” Protestant and Catholic. Evangelical and mainline Protestant. Blue collar and white collar. Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter.

I met my childhood best friend when she invited me to her sixth birthday party, as we stood together on the steps outside our elementary school. She was friendly and open in that way that only young children can be. I eagerly accepted the invitation and began a friendship that would last through high school and into the early years of college.

She was brown-skinned and I was white. Race wasn’t something we ever talked about, unless she brought it up in a joking way. “I don’t like white people,” she sometimes said, “except you and my mom.” She called herself a Nigerian princess.

I remember lots of sleepovers, Michael Jackson dance contests, endless rounds of Monopoly. I remember playing soccer in the Oregon rain. I remember going to see the Dave Matthews Band play in the Gorge, and the time the WOW Hall advertised our theater troupe on the same poster as a Slick Rick show. I remember writing rap songs for the band we started in third grade, and in college when our drunk friend got locked in a dorm room stairwell overnight. I remember never laughing so much as I did with her.

I don’t remember ever asking my best friend about race, about what it was like to be one of the only brown-skinned kids in our school. Was it hard for her? If it was, she never let me know. Our high school group was a microcosm of diversity for Eugene, with three of my closest friends being ethnic minorities with immigrant parents from Nigeria, Korea, and Mexico.  

Our friendship ended as suddenly and inexplicably as it began, with her one day choosing to stop returning my calls without any falling out or slow drifting away.

In college and beyond, my friendships seem to have become more and more homogenous. We are a 99 percent white, upwardly mobile, advanced degree holding, NPR-listening group of folks. We like to talk about social justice. We have backyard chickens and drink kombucha. We go to church, or used to before becoming disillusioned with organized religion. If we do have tattoos, they are discrete.

I tell myself that my friends are similar to me because I don’t have many opportunities to get to know people who are different. But is that entirely true?

Matthew 5:14-15 (NLT)
“You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” 

It’s certainly easier to be friends with people who share similar backgrounds and interests as ourselves. But Jesus calls us to be a light to the world, something I can’t do if I remain cloistered in my kombucha-drinking, NPR-listening corner of the church. For my part, I want to be more intentional about widening my circle of acquaintances to include more diversity of race, religion, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation. Within the Church as a whole, we also need to do a better job of promoting dialogue between Christians with different political views and scriptural interpretations.

I wish I could go back to the openness of childhood, when it was so easy to make friends with anyone regardless of what they looked like or who their parents were. Fourteen years after my friendship with my Nigerian princess best friend ended, it still hurts to write about her. I wish we could go back to being friends like we used to be, but time has changed us, and we can’t ever go back to that place we stood, two first graders on the steps outside our elementary school, fulfilling Martin Luther King’s dream without even knowing.

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About the Author

Ursula and her husband Spencer have two young children, and their family enjoys playing hide-and-seek and dancing in the living room. She works as a communications and events coordinator with the University of Oregon. You can read more from Ursula at motherbearblog.com.

"Prayer & Fasting | April 25-June 27th"

Spiritual Warfare: Prayer & Fasting by Lee Schnabel
Message Audio from Sunday, April 22nd

On Sunday, April 22nd Pastor/Missionary Lee Schnabel shared a timely and important teaching on the topic of Prayer and Fasting. He challenged us to use this tool to intercede on behalf of our leaders as we contend for their best by seeking God’s provision, protection, peace and presence in all things. Lee also invited the congregation to consider signing up to pray and fast each Wednesday (from April 25-June 27th) as an ongoing support to those who carry the heart and vision for ministry that flows from our collective efforts together as a church.

Prayer and Fasting Teaching Notes: Outline by Lee Schnabel
Increases Spiritual Formation
1.     Demonstrates humility: Psalm 35:13   
2.     Promotes self-control: 1 Corinthians 9:27, Isaiah 58:5
3.     Provides spiritual strength: Matthew 4:2

Extends to us Key Personal Benefits
1.     Greater spiritual authority over the works of darkness: Mark 9:29
2.     Increased manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit: Luke 4:14
3.     Allows us to see circumstances from God’s point of view: Isaiah 58:8
4.     Aids us in knowing God’s will: Isaiah 58:9

Conclusion: There are several exhortations in Scripture to pray for the leaders who provide oversight and spiritual guidance for believers. These include: Philippians 1:19, Hebrews 13:18, Ephesians 6:19-20

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Prayer and Fasting Focus | Spring 2018

(April 25 through June 27)
The following is a list of couples and individuals who currently provide leadership for various ministries on behalf of CitySalt. Leadership as it applies to this list is defined as individuals who have agreed to carry responsibility in service to a particular area or group represented in our community of believers. This list does not minimize the contribution of all who participate and support a full spectrum of ministry expressions throughout our congregation, but recognizes those who have committed themselves to roles that provide vision, care and communication that helps to build and strengthen areas of our shared life together as a church.

• Dusty and Julie Johnson - Dusty serves as Lead Pastor and oversees vision, ministry team and business of the church. Julie oversees our greeting team and is active in events and services.
• John Rice (Laura) - John serves as Associate Pastor and is involved with discipleship, teaching and overseeing our prayer ministry that undergirds the ministry of our church.
• Mike and Britni D’Eliso - Mike serves as Assistant Pastor overseeing outreach, logistics, security while participating as part of the teaching team. Britni oversees our Salt Blog and our team of devotional writers.
• Pam Sand (Jared) - Pam serves as our Kids Ministry Director providing leadership for Sunday classes for young people.
• Denise Jubber (Ron) - Denise serves as our SoulCare Director providing teaching and guidance for spiritual direction, Triad groups and self awareness curriculum.
• Randi Nelson (Nolan) - Randi serves on our teaching team.
• Sterling and Alisha Camden - Sterling serves as our Music Ministry Director and Alisha serves on our teaching team.
• Margaret and Bill Fairchild - Margaret serves as our Women’s Ministry Director and serves on our church council. Bill oversees a men’s small group.
• Darla and Mark Beardsley - Darla serves as our Communications Coordinator overseeing calendar, newsletter and website and Mark serves on our church council.
• Susie Ralls (Steve Fisher) - Susie serves as our church bookkeeper and co-leads a women’s small group with Sara-Etha Schneider.
• JoVone Kettwig (Bob) - JoVone serves as our Hospitality & Kitchen Coordinator.
• Heather Woody - Heather serves on our church council and is an integral support for Women’s and Kids Ministry
• Terry and Colby Sheldon - Terry serves on our church council. Terry and Colby also oversee our potluck and food service for Big Table Sunday’s.
• Mark Gerber (Dee Dee) - Mark serves on our church council.
• Stefan Schnabel (Jennelle) - Stefan serves on our church council.

At this time we are inviting you and others to a special season of prayer and fasting on behalf of these leaders. We ask that you consider how you might appreciate, encourage and most importantly pray for our leaders as they continue to provide vision, care and opportunities for people to connect and grow in their relationship with God and others.

We have summarized a number of ways you might consider praying and asking God to care for our leaders. The list is divided into two categories: Anointing for Service and Spiritual Covering as they serve.

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Ways You Can Pray for CitySalt Leaders

Increased Anointing for Service (Impartation of the Holy Spirit)

• Discernment - Praying for supernatural awareness of the Holy Spirit’s activity. May our leaders receive timely insight to situations and seasons affecting those who they serve. May they have an increased ability to see and partner with the work God is doing in their own lives and those around them.

• Wisdom - Praying for supernatural ideas, answers and direction for themselves and our congregation. Would they walk in a wisdom that goes beyond worldly knowledge, experience, training or education. May they possess creative solutions for complicated problems that come up with those they serve.

• Courage - Praying for supernatural boldness to stand firm in godliness and tenacity for Kingdom purposes.  May our leaders be strengthened to trust God, stand strong and step out on behalf of our church and for others.

• Favor - Praying for supernatural empowerment and anointing to see and trust God as they respond with faith to God’s leading. May the places they exercise faith and obedience be met with God’s favor to open doors that need to open for expansion and close doors for their protection. Would they simply follow a trail that has already been blazed by the Lord.

• Maturity - Praying for supernatural breakthroughs and spiritual growth. May our leaders have greater insight and awareness of God’s work. May they grow their ability to lead authentically and serve with motives and a heart of love that reflect God’s Kingdom activity.

Spiritual Covering (Over their lives as they serve)

• Protection - Praying for a supernatural protection against powers, principalities and strategies of the evil one that intend on thwarting God’s work in and through our leaders. May God strengthen our leaders in common vulnerabilities (like distraction, division, temptation, discouragement and depression) that may keep them from living and serving from a place of spiritual health and fullness.

• Provision - Praying for a supernatural provision for finances and necessary resources as they trust God with their time and service to Him. May the Lord maximize their efforts as they commit and at times limit other vocational pursuits for building up others and extending the ministry of our church.

• Peace - Praying for a supernatural sense of God’s presence in all things. Not necessarily an absence of conflict or tension, but a growing awareness and trust that God is at work and we are simply partnering with what He is already doing.

• Presence - Praying for a supernatural empowering for their current assignments and duties. May God provide assurance, confidence, gifting, skills and abilities to serve and steward the work of God through specific area of service.

Special Note: For more practical guidelines on fasting for a longer periods of time you can go to www.cru.org and search keyword “fasting” to find Bible studies and other excellent resources.

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Seeing the Other | Love Your Enemies

I don’t like people, until I meet them.

I’m not proud of this. I want to be a person who loves as Jesus loved, unconditionally and across all kinds of borders.

A decade in animal protection—watching videos of humans doing things to animals that will haunt my twilight thoughts until the day I die—taught me to be skeptical of the possibility of goodness in a person, to believe that everyone was capable of horrific violence and sadistic cruelty.

Well, that’s what I tell myself. But I think I’ve always been a little too sure of my own right-ness.

Social media and internet silos that are designed to show me more of what I like and agree with haven’t helped matters. I eat a bland digital diet of confirmation bias, gobbling up the videos and articles and memes that reinforce my existing opinions. I engage with online friends who echo my own existing views and, too often, quickly dismiss dissenting voices.

Through what I consume, I train myself to pass judgement on vast swaths of the human population. Proponents of the political party that I don’t usually vote for? Dumb. Members of a religious order not my own? Probably brainwashed. People who view [fill in the blank hotbutton socio-political issue] differently than I do? They’ll see the light eventually. I really don’t like people…but then I meet them.

The generous, happy-go-lucky neighbor who holds views far from my own. He helped my husband identify a fulfilling business opportunity. The encouraging, patient gym coach who wears a different kind of #_____LivesMatter t-shirt than I do. She takes time after class to show me how I can improve my range of motion and strength. The old high school friend who predictably comments on every article about guns I post. He makes some valid points sometimes.

Shortly after football player Michael Vick was arrested for dog-fighting, I sat in a room with him for eight hours as he took a course on empathy for animals that I developed. We even did a Bible study together, since he identified as a Christian. I knew the terrible things he had been involved in, but was able to connect on a human level and felt no particular ill-will toward him.

Jesus understood the power of human connection. In the Sermon on the Mount, he is recorded as telling his listeners to go so far as to leave the altar if, in the middle of giving their gift, they realized they had an outstanding rift. Reconciliation and right relationship among the community was a higher priority that regulations or religious rituals.

“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” It’s an astonishing and impossible ask. And the instructions that precede it press into the need for relationship especially with people we are prone to hate. If someone strikes you, give them your other cheek. If someone sues you for your coat, give them your cloak, too. If someone forces you to carry their pack one mile, carry it for two. And give to everyone who begs from you. (Matthew 5:38-42). How many times have I breezily lied to men and women begging outside of Union Station, or Fred Meyer: “Sorry, I don’t carry cash!”

In his book, Engaging the Powers, Walter Wink suggests that in telling his followers to turn the other cheek, give our cloak, and walk the second mile, Jesus is discipling us in the way of nonviolent engagement. Turning the other cheek “robs the oppressor of the power to humiliate” and offers a chance at redemption. Giving our cloak shames a system that would allow a wealthy person to literally take the shirt off the back of the poor. And walking a second mile carrying the pack of a Roman soldier, brutal occupiers of Palestine, helps “oppressed people find a way to protest and neutralize an onerous practice.” Each of these methods of nonviolent resistance not only restores dignity to the one who is shamed or oppressed, but also offers an opportunity for the oppressor to regain their own humanity.

Ethicists Glen Stassen and David Gushee look at these same texts of Matthew in their book Kingdom Ethics and posit that Jesus’ commands here to turn the other cheek, give a creditor your cloak, and carry the pack a second mile are “transforming initiatives” that help Jesus followers break out of old paradigms. Rather than violent retaliation, or passivity, we’re to take nonviolent action to resist evil.  

So, where does that leave me, with my propensity for judgement and dismissal, for distance from the people and situations that make me angry or uncomfortable simply out of my own sense of self-righteousness? How do I resist the temptation to surround myself with the people and ideas that reinforce my ideas of justice? How do I even begin to break down these border walls between me and the people that I am so eager to “other”?

I am fortunate to work with people who are smarter and more compassionate than I am. One of them helped start The People’s Supper, a way of connecting across difference over a shared meal. Another helps lead tours to important Civil Rights historical sites, to help equip the church to live into our biblical call to be ambassadors of reconciliation. I learn a lot from them, mostly by listening. I need to do a lot of listening.

And I’m spending less time online and more time with flesh-and-blood people. Because I love everyone, once I meet them.

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About the Author

Sarah Withrow King is the author of Vegangelical: How Caring for Animals Can Shape Your Faith (Zondervan, 2016) and Animals Are Not Ours (No, Really, They’re Not): An Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology (Cascade Books, 2016). She spends her days working for Evangelicals for Social Action and CreatureKind, helping Christians put their faith into action. She lives in Eugene with her husband, son, and animal companions and enjoys action movies, black coffee, the daily crossword, and dreaming of her next international journey.

Community Prayer Guide | April 2018

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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One Church - One Day Community Prayer                                  April 2018

“Pray for us, that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”   
2 Thessalonians 3:1

Church
Pray for God’s power in the united demonstration and proclamation of the Gospel.
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to equip every Jesus-follower to share their faith & the Gospel with others.
Pray for a genuine love to bring new believers into the fellowship of every church in our community.
Pray for pastors’ and ministry leaders’ families:  love, wisdom, strength, good communication & health.

Education
Pray for churches & ministries to start new outreaches on the LCC campus and high school campuses.
Pray for more mental health resources and personnel in every school.
Pray for partnerships to increase between local service agencies and schools, and for resources to be more accessible to students.
Pray for the silent needs and cries of youth to be seen and addressed.
Pray for Christian teachers and students to speak life and peace to those struggling because of recent suicides and school shootings.

Family
Pray for God to increase the number foster parents and “Safe Families” parents to care for vulnerable kids.
Pray for struggling families to have barriers removed and advocates assist them in becoming strong & stable.
Pray for parents to prioritize their families and provide secure loving homes for their marriages & children.
Pray for God to heal relationships in local families, and for entire families to turn and follow the Lord.
Pray for an increase of local affordable housing units and for God to use His people to be part of the solution.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom, love and direction to be upon all of our government leaders and their families.
Pray for God to guide the process & selection for the new Springfield Development & Public Works Director.
Pray for God to guide the county and cities’ efforts to increase affordable housing units.
Pray for the Junction City, Springfield and Eugene downtown areas to be safe, welcoming and peaceful.
Pray for a positive and constructive “community narrative:” reconciliation, respectful public discourse, discussions and efforts for the best community outcomes.

Business
Pray for peaceful and wise agreements between the city of Eugene and landowners to open up land use for the industrial property needed for new businesses to be established.
Pray for new quality businesses to be invited and established in our community.
Pray for positive, encouraging and wise relationships among our business, government & faith sectors.
Pray for more skilled workers in trade vocations, and that people apply for available jobs.

Arts
Pray for the Vistra Gallery, Raven Frameworks & White Lotus: for the Lord’s Spirit to draw people to Jesus.
Pray for empowered and gifted artistic expression at CityFest: Music, dance, visual art and more!
Pray for the Musicians’ Emergency Medical Association: for God’s blessing and provision for health care.
Pray for the Pacific Rim Art Guild as they move to a new location: God’s favor, new open doors and provision.
Pray for vision, direction, finances and a permanent home for the Elrod Foundation, a youth arts/counseling organization in Lane County.

Health Care
Pray for God to bring hope, healing and rescue to those struggling with suicidal thoughts.  Pray for health care workers, teachers, parents and friends to be empowered to bring hope, healing and rescue.
Pray for health care providers to have wisdom and words to affirm peoples’ true identity in gender identification conversations.
Pray for health care providers to encourage sexual purity and for God’s favor to be on “Stop & Think” Presentations (sexual abstinence) in high schools.
Pray for health care providers to be a clear voice for the sanctity of life.

Police and Fire Departments
Pray for God’s favor on chaplains and for new chaplaincy programs to start in all First Responder agencies.
Pray for new quality and “charactered” recruits to be hired in all agencies.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for the well-being and emotional health of first responders, their spouses and children.
Pray for positive and encouraging relationships between first responders and community members.
Pray for strength, peace, and refreshing for all 911 Communication Center and Dispatch workers.

Media
Pray for truthful, fair and accurate reporting in all areas of local media.
Pray for local media to promote and equip community members to listen and understand one another better.
Pray for Register Guard employees during the transition to GateHouse Media: peace, provision & guidance.
Pray for the Lord’s favor and truth upon all media reporting of CityServe and CityFest activities.

Sports
Pray for the Lord’s blessing on YMCA programs, athletes, coaches and referees.
Pray for safety, protection and peace over every public sporting event.
Pray for coaches at all levels to be empowered to encourage, teach, inspire and lead with integrity.
Pray for the 2021 World Track & Field Championships in Lane County: God’s hand on all international committee agreements, preparations, and new local development for a fruitful and safe event.

Check out the answers to prayer on our website: http://onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Seeing the Other | Sometimes Feeling Like the Other

I think we’ve all felt it. The sudden flood of heat spreading across our face, the grip of queasiness in our stomach, our breath changing to a shallow pattern. The instant feeling of isolation and vulnerability that can come with feeling foreign and alone even amidst a crowd; feeling like “the other”.

Although not always this dramatic, even a slow, subtle process of accepting incorrect beliefs and wrong assumptions can result in feeling apart and detached. I am learning that the lie of feeling alone and helpless is a harsh but effective motivation to reach out to Jesus Christ immediately in prayer and worship. My life experience is also teaching me that my troubled spirit is soothed and healed when I remember to face my battles against the lie of isolation together with Jesus. And I’m still learning that my victory lies in not wasting time facing these moments of battle outside of the presence of Jesus. As long as I live knowing I belong to Jesus, I have the complete sense of true belonging and security that I need.

There can be tremendous value in feeling like the other; this experience can teach us to more quickly see and reach out to others. We point them to Jesus with a spoken word of greeting or the listening ear of understanding which can go a long way toward breaking the lie of isolation. I know that I have felt let out of prison at times with a phone call from a friend or an invitation to sit with a friend at church instead of sitting alone. This reminds me that I am very much a part of the infinitely large family of God. I am so very thankful that the dynamic of “the other” does not exist in the kingdom of God. Quoting a much-respected pastor, in God’s Kingdom “Everyone is welcome, everyone is needed”.

Isaiah 58:9 NKJV
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.”

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About the Author

Sara Gore has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”

Easter 2018 Dance Video | Happy Day!

Get another look at our Easter Service Dance Video "Happy Day" showing kids young and old celebrating the joy of resurrection Sunday! Enjoy!

Seeing the Other | Back Pain (and Our Brains)

This title is a play on words, but appropriate here. Circumstantial change is a constant in our lives, but at least for me, growth in the Lord frequently seems hard, stuttered, and full of re-learning (sigh, another lap around the mountain, Lord). We encounter pain – emotional pain that produces behavior so ingrained, that like backyard blackberries, it’s so hard to eradicate - even over a lifetime. It’s past pain that affects our present.

Recently I came across a science special on PBS that dealt with memory. They said that brain scientists are expanding their traditional idea of our brains simply being a library full of memories. We go in, walk down an aisle, open up a book and remember.

Now they understand it’s not just our memories, but MEMORY in general. It’s EVERYTHING we have ever encountered through any of our senses, and the resulting feelings felt and thoughts thought. It’s the vast and complex sum total of it all – the behaviors learned that affect us today. Regardless if we can’t recall the origins (we know that trauma victims can absolutely block out memories).

Also beyond the library analogy, our brains are in a continual state of organic flux - constantly growing new cells, neurons and pathways today, as we access and merge both past memories and new information (age and non-use can also diminish the brain’s physiology, as us old guys can attest).

Yes, behavioral change can be so hard for us. It’s not like we’re erasing a memory from a hard drive and simply replacing it with something else. Old memories and behaviors die hard because they are learned, practiced, and ingrained with our present-day encounters.  We literally have to relearn HOW to change. And we have to be truly convinced that our new way will be a less painful route to take.

I just LOVED the recent comments by Britni D’Eliso on shame (versus guilt). Shame is so much more dangerous because beyond behavior, it’s identity based – more intricately woven into the fabric of who we perceive we are (or who we are LIED to and led to believe we are). It’s “You Are” versus “You Did”.

We are all so much social creatures, and relationships are where we encounter most of our pain – with the resulting cues on how to act in self-defense. It seems to me that if we are to truly change our destructive behaviors and re-map our brains, it will only come as we participate, with kindness and compassion, in an emotional environment where we feel secure and safe.

And I am not just thinking about the church body here, but everyone else we touch “out there”. To me, compassion to everyone I don’t understand, like or agree with is an essential skill because it allows me to extend grace to first myself, then others when I encounter my pain.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (The Message)
“Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone, a new life burgeons! Look at it!”

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About the Author

Terry Sheldon is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Seeing the Other | When Your Blinders Get Ripped Off in a Gas Station

The gas station is just a half mile from our house on Island Rd. Of all the modest looking Shells out there, with dirt and exhaust visibly creeping up the sun-bleached yellow signage, this one is perhaps the most forgotten by its corporate overlords. Still, the dingy fueling station sits against a backdrop of pristine forest and glowing blue mountains: a vision of natural beauty that makes even the locally despised Dollar General next door seem almost pleasant.

It was late afternoon when I left my car filling up at pump number two and slipped inside the minimart to collect a bottle of Wildcraft cider for a dinner party later that evening (a posh beverage that they inexplicably carry, defying both the absurd remoteness of our location and the dingy obscurity of this tiny gas station store.)

There I am with my snooty cider in line, but no one in front of me is going anywhere. It seems the girl at the front of the line is chatting with a middle aged woman behind the cash register. The cashier has glasses and stringy, damp-looking curls. Her long nails are cheerfully bedazzled, making tiny clacking sounds as she lifts items off the counter. Some gum, a Snapple. Several brightly packaged Airheads. I squirm in my spot in line, impatient to get back out to my car. I can hear the cashier talking to the young woman checking out.

“Is the radiator fixed yet?” The cashier looks up over her glasses at the young woman. The girl sheepishly leans to one side, fidgeting with her long dark hair that’s piled on her head in a messy bun.

“They said it would be ready later this week.”

“Did you really have to walk all the way from Callahan?” The cashier glances at the young woman with eyebrows raised, an expression that makes me think they must be related biologically, or at least socially. “Did you talk to your dad while you were out there?”

“Yeah,” the young woman replies. “I cussed him out the whole way for not helping me. I had to walk halfway back to Etna before someone picked me up.”

Their conversation drags on about the car repair and I suddenly have to pee. Social hour at the gas station is wearing my nerves thin, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll have time to whip up a side dish before my dinner party. I imagine the girl in front of me trudging down Highway 3 in her slipper boots and sweatpants, yelling at her father into her giant sparkly-cased cellphone: a sight that seems eye-rollingly familiar in this area.

“Did you actually pass by the spot?” The cashier leans toward the young woman, pulling down her spectacles to look the girl straight in the eye.

“I stopped by the place it happened.” The young woman smiled, “I told my dad that I wish he was still around to help me fix the car. If he were alive I would have never overheated the radiator, so I joked with him that it was really his fault I had to walk.”

“Your dad would have never let a radiator get overheated.” The cashier murmurs. “I’m glad you cussed him out for leaving us so early.”

Both women laugh and the girl finishes paying for her snacks. When she leaves it’s my turn to pay for my cider, but instead of stepping up I blink stupidly at the cashier, stunned.

“Bummer her car broke down.” I remark lamely, setting the cider on the counter and fishing awkwardly in my bag for my wallet.

“Her dad was killed in a car accident last year,” the cashier says casually.

“I’m so sorry.”

“She’s a tough kid.”

We wrap up our transaction and I step out of the minimart into the brilliant sunshine. I am squinting, blindsided both by brightness of the afternoon and by the reality of my astounding ignorance about the people all around me.

I may not think of myself as a judgmental person, but perhaps worse than the snap judgements and the moral shortcuts is just the fact that I can go throughout my day without actually seeing anyone else at all. Every day, stories I can’t even begin to understand are spinning all around me in the lives of the people just outside the periphery of my vision. Only when I collide with a small, yet profound piece of someone’s story do I even notice others exist.

Perhaps the most confused Jesus’ disciples become in the New Testament is whenever Jesus is talking about who is the most important in his kingdom. Jesus was constantly welcoming little children, connecting with the poor and those with unflattering career choices: Jesus said his kingdom was among the marginalized.

I totally empathize with the disciples, I can see how Jesus’ apparent lack of focus could drive a disciple insane! How will children enact the 12 step plan to reconquer Israel from the Romans? How will tax collectors and prostitutes present an on-brand message for our trendy new platform? Why does Jesus always stop in the middle of key publicity events to heal one of those obnoxious poor people?

Don’t we have more important things to do, Jesus?

Jesus’ actions don’t make sense unless we understand what Timothy Keller calls the “upside down kingdom.” While the “right side up kingdom” of normal people are driven by the here-and-now demands of their comfort, power, and security, Jesus acts with radical compassion and self-sacrifice because he knows that his eternal comfort, power, and security are safe with God.

Our natural inclination is the right side up kingdom, which is wrapped up in task lists and agendas attempting to secure our finite, temporary place in this ever shifting world. It’s what Solomon called in Ecclesiastes, “chasing the wind.” Inversely, Jesus’ inclination is always moving towards the people who’s hearts are open to love like flowers opening to the sun. It’s like he did everything throughout his day with one eye scanning the crowd for somebody on which to shower the love of God.

When I’m stand in a dingy old gas station, or the grocery store, or the park with my kids, there is another plane of existence occurring at the same time. In this kingdom the dinner party dishes, fancy ciders, laundry that needs switching, or other tasks that need doing are far less important than the eternal souls all around me. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would open my eyes in the way that they were suddenly jarred awake that afternoon at the Shell station-that I could see people the way he sees them.

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About the Author

Allie Hymas is a mother, writer, and textile enthusiast raising two kids and a little herd of Icelandic Sheep with her husband Justin in Etna, California. Allie is passionate about worshipping God through music and gathering people around delicious food.

Allie is a guest worship leader for our church.

New Creations | Thank you, That’s True!

Once in Youth Group, we were talking about compliments. We issued a fun challenge:  If someone gives you a compliment, you had to just say, “Thank you!” We realized our culture teaches us to be somewhat uncomfortable with compliments. To deflect or explain or change the subject. Someone’s intent to encourage us turns into an awkward exchange. That is so sad! So in our group, we started by taking some time to compliment each other and respond with a simple, “Thank you!” Then it got real, and we upped the ante. We had the kids respond to a compliment by saying, “Thank you, that’s true.” Wow, that was a challenge! Try it sometime!

We are so trained to see the lack, to see what’s missing, to use a lens that compares and comes up short – especially in regards to ourselves. This is a reflection of what we believe we are at the core, what our identity is.

Often in the City Salt Kids’ classes, we talk about our identity. Who we are. Who God created us to be.  We even have a list of verses that the state who God says we are, and we practice believing this about ourselves. It’s so fun to work with our Littles, because they have no problem believing what God says! They believe it about themselves, they believe it about each other, and they believe it about everyone. Easily.  

Around Middle School, this begins to change. This is a developmental time in a kiddo’s life, where their brains are actually beginning to be able to think differently about themselves and the world around them. And the world is sadly teaching them to not think much of themselves.

As we continue to grow, the world continues to beat this message into us doesn’t it? To compare ourselves to others, to never be enough, and even in the places we know we are good we aren’t allowed to share or talk about it, at the risk of sounding prideful.

It has been so fun to cover this topic in our woman’s bible study this session as well. We are going through a study by Kris Vallotton, called the Supernatural Ways of Royalty. We are taking a lot of time to look at who God says we are and what we believe about ourselves.  

The other week, we had a fun time with this quote from Kris Vallotton:

“You are not what you think you are, and you are not what others think you are, but you become what you think the most important person in your life thinks of you.”  -KV

This is so easy to see in my kids’ lives. For example, my third grader loves to play basketball. It just is a part of him.  In the house, he will shoot a Nerf basketball at a plastic hoop for hours, playing out whole games in his head.  This year, as he started playing on a team, we noticed he wasn’t taking a lot of shots. We encouraged him to shoot when he’s open, but he just didn’t seem to have the confidence. Finally, my husband had a brilliant insight.  He sat my son down and told him the truth – that he has a really good shot and he believed my son should take shots in the game. From the next game on, things were different. My son would shoot! He didn’t make them all, in fact not most of them, but he keeps shooting and he has a new confidence because he knows his Dad thinks he has a good shot.

I think this principal applies to all of us, doesn’t it? The words that the important people in our lives have spoken over us, the words we have said over ourselves, the beliefs we have developed, all paint a picture of who we believe we are. And sadly, the picture we paint of ourselves is often way off from the one God paints of each of us. And God, our Dad, wants to sit us down and remind us who He says we are!

I heard it put this way once: You see a painting on the wall. If you insult the painting, you are also insulting the artist and the model. We are the painting, God is the artist, and Jesus was the model. And as our Creator, we get to renew our minds with what He says about us!

Romans 12:2 tells us that our outer transformation starts with changing our thoughts. We can begin to ask God how He sees us, and by spending time with Him and in the Word, we can begin to understand who we really are!  

The first step in believing what God says about us is to know what He says. In the Bible, in Ephesians 2:10, it says we are God’s handiwork. And 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us we are a new creation! What does that even mean? SO much! We are something brand new, never before seen creation that was created by God Himself! And who should we look to, for understanding of who we are? Of course, the Creator!

A crazy thing happens as we begin to see ourselves as God sees us. We also begin to see others as God sees them. Instead of being clogged up with comparison and self-protection, we can begin to have God’s eyes to see people as He made them and to call that out in them. As we realize we are deeply loved and have enough, we can pass that message on!  

Below is a list that we have been keeping with us in our Bible Study. It lists just some of the things that God says we are. If He says we are, we get to believe it! We have been practicing letting God talk to us through this list, and renewing our minds with how He sees us as new creations! Not perfect, but loved!  

My challenge to myself, and to you if you’d like, is to do the same. Let your Dad, Father God, talk to you about who you are. Let Him define how you see yourself and see others. You see, He has His A-team players in the game and He wants to give us the confidence that He loves us and believes in us!  John 13:34 tells us Jesus said, “A new command I give to you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” As we receive and realize who God created us to be and how much He loves us, we will have the ability to love others as He loves us! So good!

ACTIVATION:
Take some time to read through the list below.
Are there some that it is easy to believe about yourself?  Some that are harder?

Ask God if there are any of these elements of your identity He wants to talk to you about. Take some time to look up the verses, journal about these with God, declare them over yourself. See how this begins to give you a lens to see these things in the people around you as well!

I am wonderfully made.  (Psalm 139:14)
I am blessed.  (Ephesians 1:3)
I am complete.  (Colossians 2:10)
I am accepted.  (Ephesians 1:6)
I am loved.  (Jeremiah 31:3)
I am delightful.  (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7)
I am victorious.   (Philippians 4:13))
I am beautiful.  (Psalm 45:11)
I am more than a conqueror.  (Romans 8:37)
I am chosen.  (Colossians 3:12)
I am holy.  (Colossians 3:12)
I am dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12)
I am God’s handiwork.  (Ephesians 2:10)
I am worth fighting for.  (Exodus 14:14)
I am healed.  (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24)
I am worth it.  (Romans 5:6-8)
I am set free.  (Galatians 5:1 and Romans 8:12)
I am a new creation.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am royalty.  (1 Peter 2:9)
I am God’s daughter/son.  (Galatians 3:26 and John 1:12)

And as we walk in that confidence, know who He is and who we are, it is contagious and His light will shine through us!

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About the Author

Pam Sand is a fun and encouraging team-builder that brings the best to those around her.  She loves young people and is committed to serving and mentoring kids with opportunities to grow closer to God and each other.  She joined our staff team in 2012 and oversees the ministry of ages from birth to eighth grade. Pam and her husband, Jared, have been married since 2005 and have three boys.

New Creations | Living a New Creation Journey

Ephesians 5: Walk in Love
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…”

We are living a predestined life journey, yet we determine our own journey both at the same time. Our life stories become full of pivotal choices, slight adjustments, unexpected opportunity and events that happen to us. We live in this web of events and wonder about God’s plan for us while we debate what choices to make in our lives. The complexity of how one event effects and responds to other events is often beyond our comprehension.

I am so grateful to the Lord for my husband. He was the final blessing in my life that revealed the truth of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I had been searching off and on since my grandfather passed away when I was 14. My grandfather was a very spiritual man toward the end of his life and had opened a Christian book store. I was so intrigued by his faith. I am sure he prayed often, because I could sense the peace and power in the places he had spent his time, even after he passed.

I continued to explore through high school and then faded off in college. When I met my husband, it wasn’t his detailed knowledge of what the bible said that impressed me most, but his unwavering conviction of a biblical truth and the one true God. He spoke about God like he was a true friend, a role-model, someone or a concrete something that he looked up to, truly loved and depended on. Through my husband’s faith, I had found what I was looking for!

A couple years later I was baptized. It was such a simple adjustment, yet so deep and profound all at the same time. We continued to be part of our amazing church community until we packed up and moved out of the country. During the years leading up to our move, I joined as many bible studies as I could with two small children and continued my journey in faith. A theme in one of these bible studies was how God gave us the freedom to choose. CHOICE is on my mind a lot.

I am amazed at how God guides us and is always there for us, while at the same time allowing that space for us to CHOOSE HIM. It is the most perfect balance of love, intention and strength. As a parent, the love we have for our children drives a desire for their freedom, independence and joy. We intentionally weave around them trying to put in place all the right steps and opportunities that will lead them through this journey safe and fulfilled. Yet it takes so much strength not to pull them away from wrong choices and force them into a safe bubble. We persist, knowing that there is usually little joy in a life chosen for us.

I imagine God must have to redirect new opportunities for me all the time! As I wander off, how does He so gently guide me back? His power is so great that there can exist a predestined plan for me, all while providing space for me to choose for myself, what God has already set out for me. My husband was put in front of me, in an unexpected place, at an unexpected time, yet I still needed to choose to speak to him, to listen to him and to decide to join him in this life journey.

A concept tricky to comprehend, until we understand that this path laid out for us is the only choice that will truly fulfill us; it is the path carefully and lovingly formed by our Creator. All we need to do is choose God.

The amazing beauty in all of it is that God truly is in control, and he has offered us redemption and the Holy Spirit so that we have a constant guide as we choose to follow in His light. To be honest, this is still not completely comprehensible to me, but it shouldn’t be! God is so amazing and I embrace the AWE-someness of it all. This most amazing God has laid out a web of events that is and will be our journey, we have the freedom to choose within that and The Holy Spirit lives within us and is our guide. I find this so beautiful and so real. It’s a never ending, awe-inspiring concept for me. Maybe that’s because we’ve chosen a spontaneous, nomadic lifestyle… or was this always God’s plan for me?

Ephesians 5:8-14
“... 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

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About the Author

Leona Abrahao is a wife, mother and traveler who is intrigued by how different people live. Her latest project is exploring ways that different walks of life can simplify, in order to live a fulfilling journey.

Lent | Embracing Discomfort

It seems odd to say that I enjoy Lent. Lent is probably not a favorite to win “Most Popular Liturgical Season” anytime soon. But there is something that feels deeply necessary about this season of fasting and penitence, when we are surrounded by a culture of constant excess.

I am not against celebrations. But after the ongoing celebrations of the holiday season, I am ready for the opportunity to observe this quiet season of reflection and fasting. In our culture, we are constantly encouraged to put ourselves first and seek instant gratification. Anytime we feel hungry/sad/lonely/bored we can distract ourselves with our smartphones or grab some food at the drive-through. Taking a break from that, even in a small way — like temporarily giving up chocolate or social media — can allow us to slow down and look to Christ for the gratification we would typically get from the object of our fast.

And what happens when we do look to Christ — when we pray, meditate, or read the Bible but we continue feeling hungry/sad/lonely/bored?

Is it possible that Christ wants us to feel these feelings from time to time?

Is it possible that Christ wants us to feel?

Is it possible that, while living a life of instant gratification and comfort, we have grown numb?

Perhaps we have to sit in the discomfort awhile. Christ was uncomfortable, a homeless wanderer who was betrayed by a trusted disciple, then beaten before being executed in an incomprehensibly painful way.

Isaiah 53:3
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.”

The word excruciating literally means “from the cross.” So then, crucifixion was so painful that it led to a word that now describes the worst pain you can imagine.

Most of us don’t really know what it means to suffer. I’ll never forget when I was studying abroad in the capital city of Ghana. One afternoon, as my Ghanaian friend was attempting to help me navigate the public transportation system, she turned to me and said seriously, “Ursula, we are going to have to suffer today.”

I looked at her confused, and she explained that the bus was not running, and I would have to find a way to walk the many miles home. But I had no idea how to walk home from where we were, and I had no intention of suffering. I didn’t have to — I had plenty of cash. I told her I would take a taxi, and she was surprised I could afford such an extravagance. But for only a few American dollars, I was able to escape a difficult situation.

I will never have to know the suffering of walking home for hours across a polluted African city, dodging traffic and open sewers. I will never know the suffering of the poor in Ghana or in other developing countries around the world, who don’t have welfare or financially stable relatives to turn to.

If I didn’t choose to, I would never have to know even the discomfort of going a day without chocolate or Internet access.

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only few find it.

There is something else that stood out to me in Ghana, besides the extreme poverty. It was the deep Christian faith possessed by many who live there and the pervasive sense of dependence on God. Perhaps our comfort and material wealth in America has distanced us from God. Maybe during this season of Lent, Christ is inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him by allowing ourselves to be a little uncomfortable.

Maybe that discomfort will be the place where we finally find peace.

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About the Author

Ursula Crawford and her husband Spencer have two young children, and their family enjoys playing hide-and-seek and dancing in the living room. She works as a communications and events coordinator with the University of Oregon. You can read more from Ursula at motherbearblog.com.

Community Prayer Guide | February 2018

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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One Church - One Day Community Prayer                            February 2018

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then …I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”  Philippians 1:27

Church
Pray for Jesus-followers to love the people of our community and live boldly for Jesus.
Pray for the Lord’s priorities of first love & agape love to be preeminent in the lives of all local Jesus-followers.
Pray for the Prince of Peace to reign in shalom over Lane County: peace, wholeness & prosperity of soul through the Gospel of Jesus.
Pray for God’s power in the united demonstration and proclamation of the Gospel.
Pray for Hispanic pastors & leaders: God’s provision, power, blessing and fruitfulness upon their churches.  

Education
Pray for Jesus-following educators to “seek first” the Kingdom daily, so they clearly see God’s priorities in their sphere of influence and live above the burdens and demands of a heavy workload.
Pray for Christians at LCC and UO to be filled with the Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
Pray they cast off fear and boldly share their lives and faith.
Pray for many college students to be drawn by the Holy Spirit, and invited by friends, to the February 12th Evangelistic Outreach on the UO campus, called Come and See. Pray for each person who attends to connect in a local church/ministry.
Pray for movement and momentum towards every local school having a group of “Safe Families” available to host and provide short-term care for vulnerable students.

Family
Pray for struggling families to have barriers removed and advocates assist them in becoming strong & stable.
Pray for parents to prioritize their families and provide secure loving homes for their marriages & children.
Pray for God to heal relationships in local families, and for entire families to turn and follow the Lord.
Pray for more affordable housing units for our community, for God to use His people to be part of the solution, and for God to remove barriers for everyone in need of housing.

Government
Pray for God to shepherd the county and cities’ efforts to increase affordable housing units.
Pray for the Junction City, Springfield and Eugene downtown areas to be safe, welcoming and peaceful.
Pray for God’s wisdom, love and direction to be upon all of our government leaders and their families.
Pray for a positive and constructive “community narrative:” reconciliation, respectful public discourse,    discussions and efforts for the best community outcomes.

Business
Pray for encouraging and wise relationships that build trust among our business, government & faith sectors.
Pray for God’s hand to be on new development projects, so they become community-wide assets for good:
The Knight Campus: cooperation and selfless wisdom among community and campus goals.
The Riverfront redevelopment: a united vision and agreement among developers and the city.
The 5th St. Market/Inn expansion: the Lord’s blessing on the plans and construction. 

Arts
Pray for God’s power and blessing on the Pacific Rim Art Guild as they share their artistic gifts with local non-profits, DHS offices and foster children through art classes.
Pray for Jesus-following artists & musicians to have more opportunities to share their faith through their gifts.
Pray for God to lead the Cuthbert Amphitheater staff as they select artists for the coming season.
Pray for artists, musicians and performers to be drawn to Jesus and the Gospel, so that they can find the peace and meaning they are looking for.

Health Care
Pray that health care providers be a clear voice for the sanctity of life.
Pray for quality health care to be accessible to all who have need in our community.
Pray for harmony & good working relationships with hospital administration, employees & unions.
Pray for health care providers to be empowered and effective in treating mental illness, substance abuse, and those struggling with suicide.
Pray for Jesus-following health care providers to mentor students & serve worldwide via medical missions.

Police and Fire Departments
Pray for strength, peace, and refreshing for all 911 Communication Center and Dispatch workers.
Pray for new quality and “charactered” recruits to be hired in all agencies.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for the well-being and emotional health of first responders, their spouses and children.
Pray for God to lead the process and selection of the next Police Chief for the Eugene Police Department.
Pray for positive and encouraging relationships between first responders and community members.

Media
Pray for the Lord’s favor and truth upon all media reporting of CityServe and CityFest activities.
Pray for local media to promote and equip community members to listen and understand one another better.
Pray for local stories to break down negative stereotypes and help neighbors love neighbors.
Pray for truthful, fair and accurate reporting in all areas of local media.
Pray for God to lead the Register Guard in the 2018 “community focus” series of stories.

Sports
Pray for the Lord’s blessing on the YMCA organization, programs, athletes, coaches and referees.
Pray for safety, protection and peace over every public sporting event.
Pray for coaches at all levels to be empowered to encourage, teach, inspire and lead with integrity.
Pray for negative sexual agendas to be diffused in all sporting organizations, and for stories of purity to be celebrated and promoted.

Check out the answers to prayer on our website: http://onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

New Creations | The Side Door

Escape rooms seem to be “a thing” right now. You get with some friends, pay your money, then are locked in a room with only your collective wits and an hour to escape. That may sound claustrophobic for some, but for me the strategy, challenge and group interaction seems appealing (I haven’t done one yet).

Fictional games are one thing because we know we have an out. But wiggling around in our real-life tight spaces is another story. We believers are indeed new creations, and all things do become new. But much of this change doesn’t just happen - easily or quickly. It needs to be worked out.

The mystery and a frustrated effort in a hard life circumstance can make us feel helpless and alone, caught in a whirlpool of fear, anxiety and even depression. Not knowing what to do is hard, and reaching out for help - perhaps even harder.

Beyond finding the way out, we typically also want to know the WHY of it all. There are always lessons to be learned - a revelation tailor-made just for us, but seldom within our best time frame, right?

Recently, in the midst of an “escape room” situation (though not the fun and games kind), I heard the Lord whisper to me in my frustration and despair. He said, “You won’t find the way out right now, but I will give you a side door”.

“What?”

He continued: “I am not asking you to solve all this by yourself, but I do need a response to my direction. Your side door is your point of response - something to DO as an act of obedience”. Even though he wasn’t offering “an escape” from my problems, I said yes.

I realized that my Lord and I are a team, but there is plenty that I just can’t handle, let alone have the vision and understanding for. He does the very difficult, and I respond by helping and not getting in between Him and the ultimate solution. Specific actions right now, and “ah ha” moments of understanding will follow.

So let’s look for His side door for us. It’s not a way out, but a way through!

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About the Author

Terry Sheldon is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

New Creations | The World is About to Turn

Ordinary Time. That’s what the Church calls these long weeks after Epiphany (the last hurrah of Christmas) and before Lent. The Savior has arrived, the Creator of the whole world is among us, incarnated in flesh and blood and bone…so now what? What are we to make of that space in between? Do we sit back and wait, or is there something deeply compelling and convicting about Ordinary Time, which is really not so “ordinary” at all?

In Luke 2:22-32, we read about Jesus’ presentation at the Temple, which took place forty days after his birth. Deeply faithful, and poor, Jesus’ parents bring him and two small birds to present to the priest. At the temple, they encounter Simeon, who the gospel writer describes as “righteous and devout…waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the promised Messiah.

“Moved by the Spirit, [Simeon] went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’”

Later in his life and ministry, Jesus would encounter extreme resistance from the religious establishment. This God enfleshed didn’t look like the Savior expected by Israel. Instead of a mighty Messiah who would emancipate the Jewish people from the Roman occupation, Jesus turned out to be a wandering teacher who broke the Law, consorted with rejects on the far margins of society, and disavowed the long-held acceptability of violent retaliation.

We get a glimpse of what the radical life and ministry of Jesus will hold in Mary’s spontaneous song of praise upon her visit to Elizabeth. Her son will be the one who scatters the proud, brings down the powerful from their thrones, lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry with good things, and sends the rich away empty (Luke 1:46-55). I wonder if she wasn’t quite the naïve farm girl we often portray her to be.

For those of us in the global north, this first Ordinary Time starts in the dead of winter. Days are short, dark, and cold, and it’s easy to succumb to the temptation to let the prophetic imagination hibernate. In the last few years, I have located a profound sense of hope, of surpassing joy, in this song, inspired by Mary’s own hymn of praise more than two thousand years ago. “From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone. Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne. The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn; There are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn.”

Nothing we can do will bring about the Kingdom of God. But perhaps one great opportunity of Ordinary Time is to sit with the fantastic reality that God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ and showed us how to live in this brand new world…our world…a world into which the Kingdom of God has broken, but has not yet been fully realized. And what does that living look like?

Humility. Lament. Fidelity. Justice. Mercy. Peacemaking. Turning the other cheek. The pursuit of righteousness. Loving our enemies. Relationships before ritual. Giving to everyone who begs from you. And on, and on. Because the world has begun to turn.

Canticle of the Turning
Words by Rory Cooney

My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things
that you bring to the one who waits.
You fixed your sight on the servant's plight,
and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain:
My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears,
For the dawn draws near,
And the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me.
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past
to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
and those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn.

From the halls of power to the fortress tower,
not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
These are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn.

Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God's mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror's crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard
is the promise that holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around.

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About the Author

Sarah Withrow King is the author of Vegangelical: How Caring for Animals Can Shape Your Faith (Zondervan, 2016) and Animals Are Not Ours (No, Really, They’re Not): An Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology (Cascade Books, 2016). She spends her days working for Evangelicals for Social Action and CreatureKind, helping Christians put their faith into action. She lives in Eugene with her husband, son, and animal companions and enjoys action movies, black coffee, the daily crossword, and dreaming of her next international journey.

New Creations | Fresh Start

The longer I live the more I enjoy the New Year’s holiday. It reminds me of Christ’s life changing gifts of salvation and redemption. I treasure the privilege of a fresh start that allows to me to learn from past failures without condemnation. This gives me the freedom to grow into the new life that Christ gives me.

I had such an opportunity recently. I did much research to find the best company to move my 123 year old, 700 pound piano from storage to my home. I asked the 2-man team I’d hired to replace the old metal wheels with a newer rubber composite design.

The piano was levered onto blocks in the storage unit and I watched the two men remove the old screws and wheels. One of the screws broke off in the piano base meaning they would have to drill new holes for one wheel to accommodate the new wheel design. I bit my lip and resisted the urge to worry and complain as the process continued.

However, it soon became evident the new caster wheels would not click into the new wheel receptacles, which were already bolted into the piano base. I started to panic, questioning my choice of contractor. I felt a knot in my stomach and feared I was about to lose my temper.

A calming thought came into my mind guiding me to walk away from the unit and pray. As I prayed I looked up at the sky, and at a great height I saw a hawk gracefully and effortlessly soaring on the thermals. I realized that the same loving, Heavenly Father that keeps the hawk aloft will faithfully take care of me.

When I came back to the storage unit the moving contractor and his assistant were installing the last caster wheel into its receptacle. He told me the usual casters he liked to use were discontinued and these new wheels needed to be installed differently. He stated he just needed time to figure it out.

If had complained I would have missed out on seeing how God faithfully provided me with a highly knowledgeable and experienced moving contractor. The man explained to me that wood, as it ages becomes harder, and that it was not unusual for screws to snap off in old wood. He and his assistant then skillfully moved my piano into my home. I smile when I see it in my living room, remembering the lesson learned.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV  
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

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About the Author

Sara Gore has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”

New Creations | Dogged Obedience

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you know what a wonderful source of love and companionship they can be. Most of the dogs I’ve owned, however, could not be trusted off leash in community situations. We did have the honor of enjoying a big yellow Lab in our family for 14 years and Ollie was one of those dogs that could be relied on to behave (tennis balls and squirrels notwithstanding). Our current dog; Sadie, is sweet and gentle but sadly has earned a short leash existence.  It is a beautiful thing to see a dog that can operate without the need for constant supervision… a dog who can be counted on to do exactly what the master has trained it to do and not wander off to do whatever those other, unwise dogs, might do. Dusty has mentioned their dog Hammy in this context. If I recall correctly, Hammy lost many an opportunity to do enjoyable things with the family because he just could not be trusted to be obedient.

An analogy can be made to our human experience. As we acquire knowledge and learn to apply what we’ve learned it can look a lot like ‘Wisdom’.  But what does it look like when apply our hard earned wisdom?  I believe it looks a lot like ‘Obedience’. Knowledge is to wisdom as wisdom is to obedience.

Wisdom is the application of knowledge
Obedience is the application of wisdom.
~Anonymous

I heard this phrase a decade or so ago and it has stayed in that little corner of my brain reserved for the profound. I first understood that this quote was attributed to Solomon but find that this is not included among Solomon’s writings in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes or the Song of Solomon. In any case, as I grow older, it is becoming increasingly clear that this progression from knowledge to wisdom and then on to obedience is vital in our journey to understand and carry out God’s will in our lives.

John 14:23
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

The word obedience often carries a negative connotation as it is often perceived as conflicting with our independence or free will. Mandated obedience is not what I am talking about here. If someone tells us that we have to do this or can’t do that, it just makes (many of) us want to do the opposite. We can certainly learn about obedience through the consequences mandated by the mortal authorities in our lives. However, wouldn’t it be great if we could move beyond the need for negative consequences toward the kind of obedience that occurs naturally through wisdom: Obedience that springs forth from our hearts because we have wisdom enough to understand that doing God’s will enlarges our ability to be independent and gives focus to our free choice.

God does not operate by leashing us until we prove we can be trusted. God instead provides us with opportunity, every moment, to be a New Creation… to apply our wisdom as a new being obedient by nature because we trust God enough to let go of our old selves as he refines our knowledge into wisdom and our wisdom into obedience.

Thank you Lord for the gift of free will that I may choose to obey your teachings. Please help me understand Your vision for my life and provide the power to carry out Your will through beautiful obedience.  Amen.

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About the Author

Joseph Scheyer was born in Pendleton, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon from which he graduated in 1979.  He then served as a medic in the US Air Force.

Joseph has been married to the same woman for 38 years and they have four awesome children. He has enjoyed careers in forestry, education and software and currently is a substitute teacher and loving it! Joseph gives his time working with our kids’ ministry and helps out in Sunday worship by running the video screen when asked.

New Creations | “Through My Savior’s Eyes”

Have you ever thought you would like to be part of something and then said to yourself, What I was thinking?

I do this a lot. Like when I went to a CitySalt blogger meeting last month. After the meeting, I didn’t think about it again until I received notice that it was my turn to write. That’s when I thought, Oh, no! What was I thinking? My topic was a new creation…

2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” the Bible says. “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”.

When I received Jesus as a child, I became a new creation. I have been that “new creation” for about 51 years. But for countless years, I did not know what or how to be the person that my God created me to be. And I did not understand why I couldn’t be who I thought I should be or who I thought I ought to be. Then I learned that abuse can keep a person from understanding that they are created in God’s image. The abuse I suffered as a child, the abuse and betrayal I suffered as an adult, and some of my own choices had made it impossible to be who I thought God wanted me to be.

Now I know it is important to see people and myself through my Savior’s eyes. This was a lesson I learned when Mr. B came into my life. At 27 months, “they” said he tested as a nine-month-old, and I was told that gap would likely never change. I can remember holding him in my arms, praying to God. I would say; “My Jesus, I want him to be who You created him to be. Please, Lord, I do not want what the world has done to him to be who he becomes. I just want him to be who You created him to be, no matter what that looks like.

Slowly he began to talk. I taught him that I loved him and that he could trust me. I taught him that Jesus loved him. I taught him how to run to me when he was afraid or in pain instead of running from me.

Today, instead of listening to the words of people who say that I try hard but I can’t do anything right...I have no talent...I am stupid—I could go on and on with this list but I will not—these days, at almost 65, I listen to what my Jesus says: I am loved, I am chosen; I am His bride; I can trust in MY Jesus when I am afraid (Psalms 56:3), and I am a new creation.

I realize that being the creation my God intended me to be is a lifetime mission. As I take the hand of my Jesus and walk in who He has created me to be, I am beginning to see me as Jesus sees me. Just like Mr. B, I need to know that I can trust Jesus and that He loves me. I need to know that He wants me to talk to Him even if it starts with just a few words. Lastly, I need to run to my Jesus when I am hurt or in pain and allow Him to heal that hurt with His love. And when my journey is done here on earth and I enter into my Jesus’ arms, I will be a COMPLETE NEW CREATION.

Psalm 56:3
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

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About the Author

Sara-Etha Schnieder will tell you, “My Jesus is my very best Friend.”
Sara has worked for Lane Community College for over 20 years and has been a member of CitySalt (SouthHills) Church from the very first service. She co-leads the Women’s 242 group that meets the 3rd Friday of every Month from September to June. She is a proud mother of 4 children and has 13 grandchildren who she dearly loves.
Following a year of multiple health issues she created a “to-do” Celebration List because she feels blessed to be alive! This year she hopes to be able to cross parasailing off that list.

Community Prayer Guide | January 2018

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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One Church - One Day Community Prayer                       January 2018

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

Church
Pray for pastors & leadership teams to be empowered with unified vision, wisdom and plans for the new year.
Pray for the health of pastors and leaders: spiritually, physically, their marriages, finances & friendships.
Pray for Jesus-followers in our community to love one another and all of our neighbors more and more.
Pray the Numbers 6:24-26 blessing over our community: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 

Education
Pray for Christian educators to walk in the Spirit daily, and see specific students at specific moments who need God-inspired specific interactions.
Pray for Christian students to unite to pray for their campuses, and gain a heart for their peers who are in darkness. 
Pray they respond with acts of love and Gospel conversation.
Pray for peace, protection, and God-inspired actions to address behavioral unrest in all schools.
Pray for students & families to find community in local churches & God’s people through school partnerships.

Family
Pray for God to heal relationships in local families, and for entire families to turn and follow the Lord.
Pray for the 200+ teen parents in our community to find and access the support that they need.
Pray for the “Marriage Team” ministry to gain more coaches & for a strong local network of marriage support.
Pray for God’s blessing on all parenting classes, and for parents to be equipped to love & lead their children.
Pray for more affordable housing units for our community, for God to use His people to be part of the solution, and for God to remove barriers for everyone in need of housing.

Government
Pray for the Lord’s blessing, wisdom and grace to be upon all of our government leaders.
Pray for a positive and constructive “community narrative:” reconciliation, respectful public discourse, discussions and efforts for the best community outcomes.
Pray for all new planning for land use, parks, transportation, and economic development to proceed with a habit of cooperation among private & public groups. 
Pray for government agencies to work together with greater synergy and effectiveness:
The county, cities, utility companies, schools, first responders, etc.

Business
Pray for a greater partnership between business and education sectors to train more people in trade skills.
Pray for business leaders to train and mentor younger leaders in virtue, skill and humility.
Pray for encouraging and wise relationships that build trust among our business, government & faith sectors.
Pray for new businesses to start, and established businesses to move to our community in order to create more family-wage jobs.

Arts
Pray for Jesus-following artists to develop their gifts/talents and express them in our community.
Pray for deliverance & healing from drug addiction for musicians, actors, writers & visual artists.
Pray for the Lord’s vision and clear direction for the leaders of the Pacific Rim Art Guild.
Pray for artists, musicians and performers to be drawn to Jesus and the Gospel, so that they can find the peace and meaning they are looking for.

Health Care
Pray for “end of life care” to be more holistic to maximize the quality of life.
Pray health care providers are a voice for the sanctity of life.
Pray for those with unexpected pregnancies to pursue help through Dove Medical and other encouraging providers.
Pray for harmony & good working relationships with hospital administration, employees & unions.
Pray for health care providers to be empowered and effective in treating mental illness and substance abuse.
Pray for God’s hope & love to intervene for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. 
Pray for a decrease in the suicide rate (The Lane County suicide rate has almost doubled this year).

Police and Fire Departments 
Pray for new quality and “charactered” recruits to be hired in all agencies.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for the well-being and emotional health of first responders, their spouses and children.
Pray for wise, experienced and empowered chaplains to be established in all agencies.
Pray for God to lead the process and selection of the next Police Chief for the Eugene Police Department.
Pray for positive and encouraging relationships between first responders and community members.

Media
Pray for God to lead the Register Guard in the 2018 “community focus” series of stories.
Pray for local media to promote and equip community members to listen and understand one another better.
Pray for local stories to break down negative stereotypes and help neighbors love neighbors.
Pray for truthful, fair and accurate reporting in all areas of local media.

Sports
Pray for God to lead all of the preparations for the 2021 World Track and Field Championships:  new facilities, community readiness, security and new infrastructure.
Pray for safety, protection and peace over every public sporting event.
Pray for coaches at all levels to be empowered to encourage, teach, inspire and lead with integrity.
Pray for funding and the fruition of the Eugene Civic Alliance’s vision to build a new sports and recreation complex for children on the former Civic Stadium site.
Pray for negative sexual agendas to be diffused in all sporting organizations, and for stories of purity to be celebrated and promoted.
Pray for the Lord’s blessing on the YMCA organization, programs, athletes, coaches and referees.

Fourth Sunday of Advent | Immanuel - “God with Us”

I have to tell you, I really love the Christmas season.  

Upon hearing that, some of you agree and some of you cringe. And I think that’s a part of why I love it…  the wonder, the complexity, the thought-provoking element that it brings.

For me, whether its Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Winter Break, this time of year gathers all my friends, from all sorts of backgrounds and beliefs, into a similar song.  It opens hearts and love abounds. I love that it breaks down barriers and it brings people together. I love that so many share the desire to celebrate, to have joy, to be generous and festive. It’s a time when families gather, traditions are created, pictures are taken, and memories are made. It’s a time we think of others and how to delight their hearts. Even our houses are decked out with such gaudy atrocity that kids squeal with delight! Schools get a break, many people get at least a day or 2 extra off, and calendars are overflowing with party plans.    

Pausing and looking around, I think we display community more right now than any other time of year. And I believe Jesus is with us here. In the middle of this. He is with us, and He loves this.

But there’s more, isn’t there? As I’ve gotten older and experienced more life, I have both experienced and witnessed a different view of the holidays. There is also the side of not having a group to gather with, of all this togetherness making the alone so clear, painfully highlighting what is lacking. Of not being able to afford to eat, let alone buy gifts for the family. Of the very words used to celebrate this time causing division and pain. Of the highlighted suffering in the world contrasted by spending $5 for a red cup.  Of remembering a lost loved one, the suffering and sadness of the last with or the first without. Of memories being more painful than warm, of curling up at home and just wishing it was January. Of the tension of holding the broken overshadowing the invitation to celebrate. Jesus is with us here too. In the midst. Holding us tight and sharing in our tears.

And as I have taken this time to stop and try to capture a summary of what others may experience in this season, I realize that this is an impossible task. I am likely leaving out your point of view, what is important to you, what you are passionate about, what you love and what you hate about Christmas time, and I’m sorry. The truth is, each one of us would describe this season, this moment, in a totally unique way. Our internal design, our likes and dislikes, our memories and wounds, our families and surroundings shape each one of us so totally uniquely and cause us to experience this season so differently.  I think that is amazing. But the really amazing thing is, in each of our descriptions, whether we know it or not, only one thing never changes - Jesus is with each one of us.

So this season I have spent many quiet mornings, with my cup of coffee, learning to just sit with this dichotomy. For me, I realize it’s actually the reason why I love this season. I realize that every single person would describe their Christmas differently. Their likes, dislikes, beliefs, and the list goes on. But that doesn’t change a Truth. Christmas is declaring a Truth. And the Truth of Christmas time is so much bigger than our current experience and circumstances. And whether we realize it or not, whether we make it the center or a side note, whether we even believe it or not, the Truth of Christmas is Jesus, and that He is with us.

Christmas is an indisputable Truth and a reminder of just that - that Jesus is with us.   Immanuel. That He came down in the raw, in the real, in the poop and the blood, the miraculous and the mundane.  He experienced the silly, the fun and the festive, and He also experienced the sad, and the deep, and the painful.

He is the two sides to the coin. He holds the tension. He knows that in God’s Presence is the fullness of joy, and that as we are suffering, we are in God’s Presence.  He is the King and the Baby. He is the Ruler and the Crucified. He is the life that is attained through death. He is LOVE.  

And that is what is being highlighted to me during Advent this year. As I go through each week, taking time out, making space, being present, the tension gets very loud. Trying to hold my view, and your view, and make space for the rest of the world’s experience right now. I wrestle with how to give a voice to it all, how to honor God in it, how to love people in it, how to balance having so much going on at the same time. As we prepare, whatever that looks like for each of us, we cannot help but stumble into this wrestling match – for each of us it’s varied and personal and real. And He is with us.  

He knew there was no easy answer. He knew there wasn’t a right slogan or a pat solution that would help us with this wrestle of life. He made us way too complex for that! He made each of us so unique and varied. He knew that only by coming, only by really Him personally being with each one of us, would we have access to the answer. And the answer is Him!

Jesus said, “In this world you will have troubles.” And we can all attest that this is true.  But….He is with us and He has overcome this world.  

So as Christmas Eve comes upon us, and we get ready to light the last candle of Advent, this is what stands out to me:  Jesus is with us.  Immanuel.

My prayer as you read this is….that you would feel His presence. That whether this moment is filled with excitement or suffering, you would know that He is with you. His love gives you permission to wrestle and grace for what that looks like. He joins in your laughter and wipes your tears. He knows what hurts, and He understands our why.  We just get to be exactly who we are, and He is always with us.

And He is with us, also helping us to love our neighbors – giving us the patience and insight to honor their wrestling, the love to let them be in their process, and the understanding of how complex and different we all are. He is reminding us that He came for all of us, and that He asks us to love and let His light shine, because through this is how others will come to know Him.

So this holiday season, I wish you a season that is filled with the wonder of the Truth.  The Truth that is the foundation below it all, that never changes, that we can count on, and that will never will leave or forsake us. Immanuel.

Thank you for being part of my community, and a wonderful piece of my life that I treasure! Much love to you today!

Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

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About the Author

Pam Sand is a fun and encouraging team-builder that brings the best to those around her.  She loves young people and is committed to serving and mentoring kids with opportunities to grow closer to God and each other.  She joined our staff team in 2012 and oversees the ministry of ages from birth to eighth grade. Pam and her husband, Jared, have been married since 2005 and have three boys.