Roots and Shoots
We’ve pressed into this image, this call, of being “Grafted In” as one tree, one church, one body, all with our eyes focused on Jesus.
On Sundays, I’m seeing bright, sometimes teary eyes. Joyful smiles. Chattering conversations between the generations.
Laughter. Warmth. Honesty. Prayer.
And faith growing all around us.
It’s been so sweet.
Watch Last Sunday’s Sermon, “Mama’s & Papa’s in the Faith” from our Grafted In series
And there’s so much more to learn and grow as we “love one another” (John 13:34-35).
I’ve already seen so many in our church grab the Starbucks cards we provided, and embrace loving the next generation.
I’ve seen the hope rise as we dream about the legacy of Millennials, Gen Z and those to come.
We live in difficult times, but times have always been difficult.
It’s not up to us to diagnose the world around us (1 Cor 4:3-4).
It’s up to us to keep our focus on Jesus (Col 2:19)...
And let the overflow of His Presence and Word move upon us as we champion the faith of those around us.
“For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him…” Heb 11:6.
“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed" Heb 12:12-13.
Lord, what we are aching for is the restoration of the generations around us, and those to come. You promise to make us One. You died so that we could come into fresh agreement with Your love….
Lord, take our Roots deeper. Let them saturate in Your life. Make the next right step clear and easy for them. Lift the pressure of the past off of them. Give them the gift of receiving You again, like a little child...
And Lord, open our Shoots more and more. Let the desperate cry in their hearts resound in our walls (and beyond the walls of High Street). Let their cry rise up as it awakens and melds with the cry of the elders, the Boomers, the Gen X’s. Let the Light of Your Presence illumine and energize the Shoots, and all of us. Let their legacy be our shared legacy. That a generation yet to be named would know You...
Lord, let Your dreams root deep into the soil of Santa Cruz because of us, that the Roots of this church would champion the Shoots until they become the Roots of the generations to come...
And as the bud of Renewal begins to blossom, Lord, make us ready. Receptive. Humble. And expectant...
Let us see Your face, here, among us. Among one another...
In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Dave