This afternoon under a gray October sky, we gathered first to pray over the land…asking that every neighbor, every child, every parent would feel seen, safe, and loved. Then the trunks opened, and the laughter began. Our lot filled with the sound of joy and the steady warmth of community…candy and costumes, conversation and kindness. Even one of our tiny homes from the Sacred Settlement showed up as the house from UP (balloons and all 🎈). In every smile, every simple moment of connection, we caught a glimpse of Jesus…still welcoming, still with us, still love. Because this isn’t just about candy and cars. It’s about community…the kind that makes space for grace to take root. (fb)

“Blessed are the merciful…” (Matt. 5:7) This past weekend felt like being held by God. We listened for the Kingdom in Jesus’ words and discovered that mercy isn’t a task to achieve but a life to receive…God’s own heartbeat moving through us. Then we came to the Table…hungry, imperfect, welcomed. Bread in our hands, cup to our lips, we remembered that we are not held together by our perfection but by His compassion. And intermingled throughout…stories from our partnership in Guatemala with Food for the Hungry, and a room full of people lingering after service to ask, “How can I help?” as we continue the Sacred Settlement work. I’m grateful for the beauty of a church that doesn’t cancel the broken but carries them; that doesn’t just speak of mercy but practices it—at the Table, across borders, and in our own neighborhood. This Sunday we step into “Blessed are the pure in heart…” (Matt. 5:8) — bring your binders, your Bibles, and a wide imagination. God’s not done shaping us yet. 🤍 (fb)