a sanctuary echo

Matthew — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:23:16 -0700

Sometimes (believe it or not), the reverberations of weeks of preparation for a single gathering continues well past its "end." Yes, there are still things to put away from Sanctuary. There are also reflections from Sanctuary:Fall that I want to share this evening.

Tonight, I watched someone take a branch that wasn't fully connected to the vine and move it the extra few inches to be connected. Isn't that sometimes what God calls us to do in the lives of our friends? We of course can't literally connect them to the vine but we can do our part towards encouraging others to connect to the vine.

The interaction I had that has for some reason stuck with me from Sanctuary:Fall was when at the end a student made sure there would be enough apple cider before taking a cup. At the point this question was asked there were at least twelve full cups on the counter. Most of us live by the "don't take the last one" rule in cases like this. We have no problem taking food or beverages until it is the last one. There is something beautiful when on of the first people considers those who are last before taking some for themselves.

One additional effect of Fall is that things truly do feel lonely and bare. I need only look at the tree outside my front window at home to see this reality. However, none of us enjoy feeling lonely or bare, especially when we're around others. Our response is like that of Adam & Eve, attempting to hide ourselves behind one of the leaves that fell off the trees. We live in a world that does everything it can to prevent being in situations where they might possibly be asked to bare anything regarding or about themselves in the presence of others. Fall doesn't allow us to remain hidden or fake. It exposes us for who or what we really are.

Sometimes the reverberations continue for you as well, I imagine. Feel free to share some of your Sanctuary:Fall echos in the comments below.

May Your Fall Be Full of God

Back to Life

Matthew — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:53:13 -0700

After a month and a half of being offline, the Zone Student Ministry Blog is back online! In the coming weeks look for pictures from the summer, previews of the fall, resources for parents and encouragement for the journey with and towards Jesus.

Please note the blog is still under repair/construction.

The Zone Student Ministry Blog

a sanctuary echo

Back to Life