COVID-19, systemic racism, and ongoing life circumstances--these are all things that can cause us to feel like we're out of place and out of peace. But, seeking God with all our hearts can lead us powerfully through our out-of-place and out-of-peace seasons.

(Tony Gatewood)

"Exile is not something to get out of but something to be transformed through." COVID-19, systemic racism, and ongoing life circumstances--these are all things that can cause us to feel like we're out of place and out of peace. But, how should we think about our out-of-place and "out-of-peace" seasons so that we don't slip into survival and scarcity mindsets? (Marissa Price)

COVID-19, systemic racism, and ongoing life circumstances--these are all things that can cause us to feel like we're out of place and out of peace. But, what happens when our out-of-place and "out-of-peace" seasons last longer and are more uncomfortable than we expect them to be? Jeremiah's letter to the Babylonian exiles has so much hope and instructions for those of us who feel like thriving is a long way off. The good news is that when we seek the peace of others in our city, we'll actually find peace for ourselves, too. (Heather Weber)

COVID-19, systemic racism, and ongoing life circumstances--these are all things that can cause us to feel like we're out of place, like "normal" is not what it should be, like we need to get back to some place or time or situation where the world seems like it's working the right way. But, what happens when our out-of-place seasons last longer than we expect them to? Jeremiah's letter to the Babylonian exiles has so much hope and instructions for those of us who feel like "normal" and "right" is a long way off. The good news is that there *are* ways for us to flourish--even in exile. (Heather Weber)

Marissa Price

Continuing with our series on being a disciple of Jesus: How do we follow Jesus faithfully in navigating conversations about race/racism with other Christians whose skin colors might be different than our own? We believe Jesus has a way forward for his disciples to follow and it will cost us all too much if we don't follow his lead!

Jesus said so many things that make us go "hmmmm???" One of them was that to follow him we had to hate our parents and sibs and kids. This is one of those times that reading Jesus less literally is super helpful. In this case, we find out that if our biggest YES is to Jesus, we are gonna have to give some big NOs to loved ones in our lives, even our family members. But this isn't bad news. In saying "yes," we step into a new way of living freely for God.

Exhausted from all the inbox and social media appeals for you to give your time, talents, and treasures? Us, too! But what about the times we're EXCITED to give? What's going on there?! Our theory: when we're excited about bringing a little more of heaven to earth, we can't help but contribute!

03.08.20 Forgiveness In The Wilderness (Some Thoughts On Lent) by CityChurch

(Heather Weber)