*Today's enews is written by The Rev. Sarah Smith, newly ordained. I also wanted to write a quick note of follow up from our meeting last week. Thanks to everyone who participated. I especially want to thank Karen Walker and Akim Singthao for all their work with the online component of the meeting. If you have any questions regarding what was covered regarding the Parish Council or budget please don't hesitate to reach  out. Your input and questions are welcome.  - Peter+

 

What does it look like for the Holy Spirit to transform us in Christlikeness? Two images have recently tumbled in my mind: that of an onion and of a flower. The onion, like putting off the old self, has layers that need to be peeled away. It offends our senses and often tears are shed in the process. The flower, like the putting on of the new self, has petals that gently release, adding to a fullness and beauty you could not have predicted by the bud. It draws out our senses in delight, grace through and through.

Peeling the onion takes courage. Watching the flower takes patient attention. We don’t have enough of either on our own. But take heart! We are not alone.

Wednesday night’s ordination service was a powerful reminder to me of this. We are not alone, first and foremost, because we have been sought and found and in-dwelled by God Himself. Second, we are not alone because God has given us to one another. I had the dear privilege of looking around that night and seeing witnesses. These witnesses of Jesus stretched from every major season of my life - childhood, college, work with InterVarsity, marriage and motherhood, Christ Church, and - not least! - this newest season at Church of the Cross. These are the people that have helped me peel the onion when I didn’t have the courage, and pointed out when new petals flowered that would have otherwise escaped attention. They saw Jesus when I couldn’t or wouldn’t. They bore witness.

There are many ways in which we can bear witness to Jesus in one another’s lives, but all of them involve proximity. Onion layers, once you get the paper off, all look the same. After a few petals have bloomed, a new one or two isn’t going to change the shape much. Only when you are near enough often enough do you see Jesus’ handiwork. 

In light of our need for proximity, I heartily celebrate that Neighborhood Groups are starting next week! Whether you are, like me, relatively new to Church of the Cross or have been around for a while, I invite you to consider a Neighborhood Group as a place where you join others in life and laughter, yes, and also the tender work of drawing near and being formed in Christ together. If you'd like more information on our Neighborhood groups, please email me, and I'd be happy to help get you plugged into a group! 

 

Witnessing Jesus with and for you,
Sarah Smith+