INSIDE EVERGREEN—Sept 18, 2025
A couple years ago, I started reading a book that I haven’t finished. (There are probably a lot of books in that category!) But I’m thinking of one in particular: Christ the Heart of Creation by Rowan Williams. It’s rich, insightful, grounded, and true. Perhaps some day I’ll reach the end of it; but I’m not ready for that yet. The slow pace is working just fine as I chew on its wisdom, which is part of the book’s point: in every moment, including the plodding steps of faith, created life meets something of Jesus Christ. Since he is both creator and creature, he has refracted his beauty throughout the entire creation.
At Evergreen, one way that we glimpse the beauty of Christ is through keeping time with him. If this is a new theme to you (or if you need a refresher), have a look at the inside cover of your worship guide this coming Sunday; there’s a short account of it there every week.
(1) CHRIST THE KING FEAST
Also, mark your calendar for November 23. That’s the last Sunday before Advent, and it’s typically called “Christ the King Sunday.” As I explained at the congregational meeting earlier this month, it’s also going to be the day of our first church-wide feast.
Instead of doing a monthly potluck, as we have for so many years, we are now going to do regular feasts that correspond to the church/liturgical calendar. This will inject new joy into our corporate life by teaching us to celebrate Christ with abandon. He is the heart of Evergreen Church. He is our life!
Stay tuned for details. And, oh yeah, don’t forget that even though this coming Sunday is the third of the month, there will be no potluck. I realize that’s a change from the norm, and I’d be happy to hear from you if it feels like a disappointing loss. I’m also hopeful that, in time, we will all see that this development is a positive move toward keeping time with Jesus all year long.
(2) BUILDING PROGRESS
Another topic at the congregational meeting included God’s provision for our building.
As of last month, we have new brickwork on the chimney overlooking the playground and along the south wall around the offices and classrooms. It’s not a fancy project, but it’s stewardship, sort of like paying the bills and taking the next step at home. Work on the boiler has begun this week, none too soon if the cool weather sets in with the arrival of Fall.
Construction of the modular building started on September 1. Then it slowed due to various logistics with contractors and the city. With the re-launch of Sunday School and with the addition of a middle school youth group, we are reminded once again why we need the space: God has given us many children to disciple. Last night, the youth groups had to pivot to Englewood Park, which is so much fun for a late-summer evening. But the rains are coming!
Our treasurer’s report at the congregational meeting was encouraging—we’re up to $104,000 pledged or given for Building Grace 2025. That’s 87% of the $120,000 target. Would you keep praying for God to supply the final 13%?
(3) SABBATICAL ENDING
After six months on sabbatical, Gary Gagosian has returned to active service as an elder. As he reported to the Session last week, his season of rest was fruitful in discovering more of the sweetness of life with God and in energizing him to care more effectively for our church. But no more from me on that! If you’d like to get the fuller story, connect with Gary. I imagine you’ll find it encouraging for your own discipleship, as I did for mine.
(4) BOOKS
Someone asked a few weeks if I would share the titles of books that I’ve mentioned or used in sermons. Since there may be a wider interest in that topic, I may try to do that periodically in this context. For now, here’s a handful of recent reads, in no particular order:
I prayed Psalm 149 for you this morning. May the Lord help you to see and embrace this truth: “the Lord takes pleasure in his people” (v. 4). He loves you.
Yours in Jesus,
Pastor Christopher