Let me just lavish out some praise on this lovely church, OK?
First, thanks for giving me such gracious study leave and vacation time. I really benefited from the education and renewal I got in Honduras. Also the time with Nancy on either side of that, in Hawaii and then Lake Chelan, was a real breath of fresh air. This church takes great care of its staff! I think the Mohrlangs will affirm that as well. Bless you, all.
Second, thanks to all of you for your steadfast love and support of our brother, Wes Young, as he awaits his future from a jail cell in downtown Seattle. The letters, prayers, visits and supportive questions about his well-being, his defense and his spiritual journey show you to be a generous and merciful church. Wes is hanging in there in the worst of times, and Sanctuary is a big part of the reason he is keeping his head above water.
Third, keep cheering for us and praying for us with regard to the Green Bean as we plot the future course of our ministry to Greenwood in light of construction taking place here.
Fourth, get ready to study the Old Testament. We are about to embark on a trip through the Minor Prophet, Amos. Don’t miss attending service and catching the podcasts. We will NOT be going through the book in order, but rather, thematically. As you listen for God’s word to you and to our church through the words of Amos, tune your ear to hear God advocate passionately for the marginalized in every society…for the alien, the stranger, the widow, the orphan, the poor. Hear God smolder at injustice, idolatry and empty social religion. Hear God’s faithful promise to restore his repentant people, no matter how far afield they have strayed. Listen with deep curiosity and do what you can to make connection between the ancient text and 21st century America; all the promise and all the necessary repair that is there for us all.
Fifth, don’t ever downplay the fact that you are gracious, generous and faithful givers of your time, talents and treasures. Our worship teams, children’s workers and set-up and AV crews are hanging in just fine. Our finances are steady. Our church leaders are present to serve and guide – even around a few nice vacation jaunts!
What an amazing group of Jesus’ people you are.
Much Love,
Randy Rowland