the retreat is almost here!

I'm into retreat mode now, having a hard time concentrating on my homework from school, sermon prep, etc. So much time, prep, energy, effort goes on for months, and then it's compressed into one quick weekend. I'm counting on God to make it worthwhile, to draw the people who come deeper into His presence and to make His presence known in our fellowship, growing our faith in Him, our love for one another, and our hope for whatever is going on in our lives. I have big hopes and prayers for this weekend.

One of the things Eileen noticed as she was working on small groups was that there are a lot of college and career aged young people coming. They are excited to see and hear Erik again, and I am excited at the opportunity. This could be a weekend of polarization, division, and us (old or older folk) versus them (whippersnappers). But the Spirit is going to be there in our midst, and I think there is a huge opportunity for us to grow together as a church family, to bridge generational gaps, and to get to know people we wouldn't ordinarily see or talk to. If you're coming to the retreat, I hope you will sit at meals and meetings with people you don't know and talk to them and really listen and care and get to know them and make new friends. Don't be clique-y! And if you're not coming, pray for us.