Comfort Food
March 2010 Vision
If for some reason I ever go to prison and end up on death row for a heinous crime, I at least know what I’ll order for my final meal (it’s good to think sort through these crucial decisions ahead of time, no?). Without hesitation, I will order pot roast with potatoes, whole onions and carrots, covered with a savory gravy. Meat and potatoes; comfort food.
I always feel better about life after eating that meal. That’s what I’m anticipating this upcoming ARC conference to elicit for all of us—nothing particularly trendy, no gorgonzola tortes with raspberry reduction and roast duck flambeau on a bed of braised liver pate. Meat and potatoes with a few vegetables.
I think it is just what the Banquet Master is wanting us to dine on this year.There is an amazing amount of “cool stuff” out here in Churchville and some of it is really honestly good. And a remarkable flood of cotton candy. Last fall, while I was on sabbatical, the ARC elders (MMC) met and landed on Paul’s letter to Titus as the theme of this conference. Almost concurrently, during the last 2 months of my time away, the portion particularly set aside for serious refocusing, the Spirit brought that letter front and center to my heart and mind. I had done a good bit of work in Titus years before and as I returned to it, my soul was deeply stirred by the nuts and bolts of this apostolic macro vision for these fledgling pre-congregations in Crete. Titus had a daunting task ahead of him but Paul called him to embrace it with confidence in the power of the gospel and the continuous presence and help of the Spirit. And with the courage it would require to do this work in a very difficult culture—–Paul affirms the evaluation of a Cretan poet who characterized his own people as “always evil beasts, lazy gluttons and liars” This would certainly call for confidence in power beyond one’s own meager supply and courage in a Person who both calls and empowers for every mission and promises that “I will be with you always even to the end of the age.”
I hope you’ll come to this year’s conference. Grace Church in Toledo will host us again and they were spectacular last year. They are really wonderful servants of God and His people. Beyond good speakers and helpful workshops that make room for the Holy Spirit to get after our hearts and minds, there is the the more intangible reality of the goodness of a family gathering, the joy of reconnecting to people with whom you share a common history and real commitments. Poland will be there and Brazil and Mexico and Florida. Even New Jersey!! We’ve even invited the Scum of the Earth.
So come. I’m praying that finances, which seem to be in less prominence for everyone lately, will be provided for this occasion. And I want to encourage you to give Paul’s letter to Titus a reading or two. Perhaps some prayer and meditation. And a few prayers for those who will carry the weight of these gatherings (see the schedule at www.arcchurch.org).
This will be Mary Lou Andrzejewski’s last conference as she passes the reins to Renee Horsman. Please be sure to thank her for the years of diligent preparations and executions that have proceeded from her small but highly effective frame. I will miss her but Larry insists that he has first dibs. I agree.
Looking forward to seeing you next month in Ohio,
Ned