Refresh

REFRESH

It is no secret that we find ourselves in a time of discernment and transition. Perhaps this is nothing new, since we regularly ask ourselves, “What is God calling us to do and to be?”. Much emotion dots the St. Peter’s landscape surrounding issues like ministry, calling, purpose, property, time, finances, volunteers, attendance, discipleship, and learning. It is helpful, then, to have a framework for conversation as the St. Peter’s Community journeys in and towards redevelopment. The framework that the board has put forward is based on three key words: 

Refresh. Renew. Reignite.

We will be exploring each of these words over the coming weeks.

As I contemplate the word refresh in the context of redevelopment, I lean into the words of Acts 3 that read “times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.”  As I reflect on these words, I take great comfort in knowing that God is with us and will be with us – and dare I say refresh us - in the midst of discernment and journey.

Jeffrey Gross writes that the challenge of the covenant of faith to the community is to live in a future based on its ideals and the call of God, and not on corruption or self-interest. To me, this lies at the heart of this redevelopment. Let’s make it more than a project, plan, or blueprints— and more than a life preserver. It has the potential to be a re-invention, a re-imagining, and a re-weaving of community. It could be refreshingly prophetic.

Our (old) mission statement says, in part, that we are committed to the Gospel of Christ. Eyes open, that gospel not only brings the joy of grace, but the promise of challenges and suffering, as we make the world a better place for the human family. One commentary articulates that a prophetic spirituality, helps us, like Christ, to picture a world, where God has better things in store for us than the violence, poverty, hunger, longing, oppression, shame and isolation. Imagine if this prophetic vision was intrinsic to our redevelopment project—what it could it mean for the downtown core of Kitchener and our community? 

Refreshed by the presence of Christ, who could we welcome to belong? Who could we call to life just as we are called to live? I believe that everyone is worthy of love and belonging. Everyone. There is, truly, a place for each and all here. And we receive that place not because we are good or skilled, but because of God’s infinite love for us. Recognizing we are loved by God due to no effort of our own, enables us to change. And that’s refreshing.

Looking ahead, we will continue to build on our conversations and lean into the excitement (and anxiety) surrounding imagined possibilities for 49 Queen Street—at the intersection of building, life, and worship. Informed by our theology and shared history, we wish to inspire refreshingly creative thinking and imaginative design that conveys the mystery and beauty of God. This will serve as a powerful expression of the Christian faith, particularly in the heart of downtown Kitchener (Richard Giles, Re-Pitching the Tent). Moving forward, we will grow into an even deeper spirituality that will undergird the process and develop our individual and collective discipleship. 

For now, I am grateful that, throughout this journey, we continue to listen deeply to one another as we ask challenging questions and contemplate our future.   It is my joy to serve as your pastor and I am deeply aware that some of my refreshment comes from working alongside so many faithful members who exhibit God’s kingdom day in and day out through the ministries of St. Peter’s and in the community. 

Onward,

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