Seasonal Order

Like everyone else in Alaska we have enjoyed the "all-time greatest summer ever." Deb and I have now been here in Juneau for two summer seasons; the first one didn't happen; this one has been glorious. Fact remains, we still don't know what a "normal" summer is up here. (Sadly, a long-timer recently told me that last year's summer is more the norm.)

In the course of enjoying summer I've leaned to hold things (like plans, expectations, hopes and dreams) with loose fingers. Few church-planters view summer as high momentum time. We are no exception.

In the summer months church "growth" can seem to move at glacier pace. (My analogy breaks down if one considers a retreating glacier. I didn't mean that kind of glacier. That would be bad.)

However, and often in spite of my efforts, Jesus continues to build His church. He did promise He would do just that. We have seen our initial gospel community grow in family roles, skills and graces. We are becoming increasingly intimate, honest and transparent. We are learning how to serve each other in tangible and intangible ways. (Note: I am now quite versed in airport deliveries and pick ups.)

We have been blessed with many more relationships in the city, and opportunities to volunteer and serve
continue to multiply. We are collectively excited over the prospect of new gospel communities forming on the UAS campus, and another downtown. Deb and I are amassing a long list of people we look forward to having in our home. And Deb's school year at UAS and mine at TMHS are now upon us. So is the rain!

Fall came. Today. With the rain. Unlike the dark clouds and gray skies (and the new requirement to wear shoes and socks) Radiant Church Juneau enters a season of growth. We look forward to growing together in community, as family. We look forward to growing as a gospel influence and manifestation in our city and region.

Kind of like spring. Which also didn't happen last year, or the year before. (Again, my analogy breaks down.)