Refreshing our Imaginations

Last week I went to Redding, California, to see Craig. Walking from the plane into the gate in Redding, I saw a big group of about twenty people—children and adults—holding a very long sign. 

“What a welcome!”, I thought to myself, my eyes scanning over them in search of Craig. 

One of the little children began calling my name, jumping up and down. “Anne, Anne!”  

I looked at the group more closely, and was gobsmacked to see that Craig’s friends, including their children, had gathered to welcome me! After being thoroughly hugged by everyone, I was ushered to the local ice cream store, where we chatted for another hour.

Last Sunday, we took a long, slow communal gaze at Joy’s last commissioned image—the image of the Seed. I was so sad to miss the Visio Divina and can’t wait to hear what you saw. 

This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar year. How beautiful that this liturgical year has gifted us with a new image of Christ through Joy’s artwork—the Welcoming Christ. 

I wonder how the Spirit will continue to refresh our faith, and our children’s faith, through this image of Jesus. I wonder who we will welcome over the years? I wonder how we will welcome them? My visit to Redding refreshed my imagination of being welcoming. May the Spirit continue to expand and refresh our own imaginations around welcoming.

Deep peace and blessing,
Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Church at Southpoint
 

This Sunday

All In Service & Potluck
We’re going on a journey towards Advent together, and there will be a special surprise! 

If you have paintbrushes and scissors you can contribute, would you label them as yours with some tape and bring them?

Thank you for bringing food to share in a feast—potluck right after the service.