Goodness Weekly 5.16.22
“If the greatest commandment in Scripture is rooted in love, the greatest sin must be a failure to love.” – Rich Villodas
Message from Jess
Recently I heard a commencement speaker talk about the idea of small worlds. She shared that we each have the opportunity to make a difference in the small world that we occupy. We may not change the whole world, but we can make a difference in our own special way in our relationships, our homes, our work, and our school–our small world.
I often feel like a broken record, like I am only saying the thing that everyone knows over and over and over. It’s the mantra I’ve been telling my kids since they were little–be love and kindness. But then I see how bodies in Buffalo are torn down by racism and hatred, and families are torn apart by war, and people are lonely, and they’re scared, and they are hurting. I see how easy it is to choose to say what I think is right, instead of what is kind.
Yes it’s simple, but it is not easy. It’s hard work to look around the small world that you occupy and choose to be kind, to look for goodness, and to find the ways that you can spread love. Jesus never modeled easy. He modeled presence, humility, patience, goodness, kindness, and love. May we be people who do the same. For the sake of our small worlds and the whole big one.
Jess Lowry with Family Specialists from Krueger Middle & Camelot Elementary
showing love in their small worlds
This week I challenge you to join me in drawing out the world you occupy. Who do you impact on a daily basis? Focus your time on spreading love and kindness in that place.
Charis Park & Missional Hub Project Updates:
We had an exciting meeting last week with our landscape architect team, Coral Studio, to preview the preliminary schematic design for Charis Park! The layout includes a big open lawn space for gatherings and events, an outdoor cafe space for Rose Hip Coffee and another food truck, and quiet areas for meditation or small group activities.
We envision the park to be a space of connection, communion with nature, and play for all ages. Working with Coral Studio has been amazing and they have truly brought our dreams to life—now we just can’t wait to break ground. More updates to come!
Good Work:
We’d love for you to jump into the work that is going on in our community! We have many different ways you can do this from joining a team, helping with worship, and much more.
Click the button below to fill out the form & we’ll reach out to you!
Upcoming Events
Sunday, May 22nd, 4:30pm Chapel Worship & Liturgy
Sunday, May 29th, 4:30pm Chapel Worship & Liturgy
Morning:
God my heart feels heavy
and I am overwhelmed
by the thought that
the whole world is hurting
and I just want to crawl back into bed
because I feel like there is nothing I can do to help
Remind me that you created me for a purpose,
that you have given me a small world
that I occupy and can impact for good
Give me the strength to get up again today
and go out to that world ready to love
In Jesus name
Amen.
Evening:
I am blessed Lord, by the grace and mercy
of your kindness to me
Thank you for the ways that I witnessed your goodness today
I hold them tenderly in my heart tonight
For the ways that I was not acting in that goodness, forgive me
Give me the courage to try again tomorrow
The humility to say that I am sorry
And the grace to accept forgiveness
Amen.
