Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God… Hebrews 12 MSG
I remember, vividly, a committal service I was leading one afternoon in a cemetery that happened to be adjacent to the local county high school. The cemetery abutted one of the school’s athletic fields. Imagine being there to say goodbye to a loved one when, out of nowhere, there is the sound of applause and cheers. The sounds came from an athletic team finishing up their practice nearby, but the irony of hearing cheers and applause while celebrating someone’s hope of resurrection wasn’t lost on me. The passage from Hebrews immediately came to mind.
As Tara and I are in the final days of transition, it feels like two runners on the same team, engaged in a relay, working to pass the baton without dropping it. The baton is about to be passed and the race goes on… I’m thankful for those living in the here and now and those who have joined the great cloud of witnesses, who are cheering us on in this moment, encouraging us to keep running, to persevere, and to keep our eyes on Jesus. My leg of this particular race is almost complete, but keeping my eyes on Jesus is the call that links us all, past, present, and future. I give thanks for my faithful friend, Tara Lain, who begins her own leg in this race and will encourage us not to lose heart, as she, too, keeps her eyes on Jesus…
Still In ONE Peace,
Jon (the Methodist)
I’m thankful for a race partner like Jon (the Methodist)! We are truly on the same team, running this race together, keeping in step with one another, and yet each with our own style. Jon is passing the baton and saying goodbye to this leg of the race, this chapter of his story. Thanks be to God, he remains in the district as a cheerleader, voice of wisdom, and one who will always help us laugh in the midst of all life brings.
I’m delighted to have the blessing of following in his footsteps and joining you on your journey with Sound! We get to start 2025 together, and behold, all this race brings!
I visited with a Harbor congregation on the second Sunday in Advent and witnessed a new beginning: a baptism. This young boy, Nathan, was probably two years old as his parents and sister approached the front with him. He quietly waited and received water on his head, offered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And as the preacher shared a word or two, Nathan dipped his hand in the water, then touched his forehead, in much the same manner as we remember our baptism. The congregation “ahh’ed” with the sweetness of such a gesture. Then, he dipped his hand in again, and he patted his wet hand to his mom’s head. The joy, the washing clean, and the water shared made this moment poignant and memorable. This young boy reminds us that the race is not only about us and our relationship with God but also our desire to share with others. Nathan, at two, is moving in the right direction, already knowing where he’s headed.
I’m grateful for Jon’s making the path straight as we continue the race together, friends. We continue in the right direction and listen to the cheers even as we finish one leg and move into the next. May our new beginning be one of joy and adventure. Thanks be to God, who loves us and guides us along the way!
Tara