And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according
to God’s purpose.    ~Romans 8:28, TNIV

 All things…  That’s what Paul says in his letter to those in Rome, …in all things God works for the good of those who love him.  The first time those words were hurled in my direction (yes, words can be “hurled”), a beloved family member was in the hospital for the umpteenth time and I was in no mood for a pair of rose colored glasses.  The word “hurled” is used because, as the recipient, it felt as if I was being asked to just “buck up and be cheerful.”  The intent of the one offering those words was good, I just wasn’t in a place to receive them graciously.

That was then, this is now.  After too many tragedies to count later, the rose colored glasses still lay on the shelf, but, the lens of grace has grown ever larger in my life. Through the lens of grace it grows easier to see God working through the hard things of life to bring light, life and grace to full flower.  The signs of that grace are all around us, however, grace can only be seen through the eyes of faith.

It is through the lens of grace that the truth of the phrase, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger has come to full bloom.  I am always in awe when the members of Sammamish Hills band together to stand with those for whom it appears life is a killing force.  Somehow, you have come to know that the suffering of others won’t kill you, but turning away from that suffering can do damage to your own soul.  Thank you for the many ways you bear others in their own sorrows and life challenges.

It is through the lens of grace we learn the value of seeking the best in and of others, sometimes even ignoring that which is less than their best.  Setting aside the desire to judge, it is through grace we learn that our own judgments of others always end up with the judgment of ourselves.  Without God’s grace, all we are left with is judgment.  But, with that grace as the force that binds us together, we are set free.

It is through the lens of grace we begin to experience the power of living within the calling God has given us, always remembering we are not just called, but, we are called, …according to God’s purpose.  What an adventure we share as we seek to discern what that purpose might be.  There is much to the adventure we share in —and through— God’s grace.  Thank you for sharing the adventure!

On a different note, my plans for this summer included a June continuing education trip to a gathering of participants in the 3 Dimensional Ministries Network (of which Sammamish Hills is a member) in Sheffield, England.  Those plans also included going to Tanzania as part of our mission trip and staying on for a few extra days to teach.  However, the lack of a Director of Student Ministries to lead the summer youth ministries and what I hope will be the addition of a new Director of Educational Ministries has led to the decision to forgo both trips in the interest of staying at home for the summer.

Further complicating the summer is unrest and a downright dangerous situation in the area where our High School mission group was headed in Mexico.  Due to that unrest, our High School group will be going instead to Yakima to work on a Habitat for Humanity project.  The upside is that we can take more kids and adults.  A further upside is that as hot as Yakima can be in August, it still won’t be as hot as Juarez.

Finally, after a long search, we finally have a solid candidate for Director of Educational Ministries.  Bridgett Frodsham is a gifted leader with a passion for encouraging others in ministry.  She is  the mother of two young daughters, and happily married to Tom.  Bridgett will be with us in worship Sunday, May 4, and available for you to meet her.  Please avail yourself of this opportunity to get to know Bridgett during the process of discernment.  Your prayers continue to be sought for a suitable candidate for the Director of Student Ministries position we have open, as well as for the process of discernment for Bridgett.

Through all of this and more, God’s grace abounds.  Thanks be to God!

See you in Church and beyond!  -Pr. John