October 2012 Newsletter letter

Greetings Friends,

This Fall we are listening for God’s word for our lives through the book of Genesis.  A book of new creation. A book of new beginning.  A book where there is a God who becomes known to the families of the earth as faithful, as good, and very much alive.

I’d like to celebrate some of creative, generative things going on at Briarwood right now and into the Fall.  In them, we can celebrate the work of this same God among us.

I’d like to celebrate the work of Nabih Saikaly, who has taken over as Briarwood’s new Facebook page administrator.  This is a reaching out through one of the the new social operating systems in our society.

I’d like to celebrate Kathy Anderson and Cheryl Steer, who will be working madly off in all directions and behind the scenes to bring us the Briarwood Brunch.  A meal together to enjoy October 14th after the one, 10:30 a.m., service.

I’d like to celebrate Hannes du Preez, who will be leading a new mid-week small group at the Heusers’ home each Wednesday evening.  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers.”  (Acts 2:42).  As we discussed at length and with depth at the final Introduction to Christianity course this week, “Does somebody have to go ‘to church’ to be a Christian?”  Someone answered, “I don’t know, but you need to be around Christians to grow as one.”

I’d like to celebrate Dr. Alejandro Durán, who is organizing an Advent Children’s Choir, and who will have practices for children 3-12 from 11:05-11:25 a.m. every Sunday in November.  There are plenty more celebrations.

These are just a few that come to mind when I consider how God is at work, creating new community, and bringing hope in this place and in this community.

The central story of the Christian church is that God has come to us in Jesus Christ, and offers us life and salvation. (C. Irvine).  This Fall, we’ve begun at the beginning of that story, in Genesis.  What a privilege it is to walk together in this world, to open the stories of our lives to God’s great story, and great work of love and forgiveness in Jesus.

By the power of the Holy Spirit may we live the life of Christian faith and mission together this Fall.  Two services.  One church.  Working for one kingdom of love and justice for all.

With many blessings,

Greg