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*Note: Check out our Holy Week Playlist on Spotify (linked here) as you read and reflect on the following. Today’s songs are Man of Your Word, Promises, and Lord You’re Holy.*

Scripture Reading: Psalm 13

Waiting, something that not many people like to do and try to avoid it all costs by ordering ahead or making reservations. Even in spaces like hospitals and offices where it is normal to have to wait, lobbies are filled with magazines and televisions to occupy our time. Then along came March of 2020, a time when we had no other choice but to be patient and completely stop the normal rhythms of our lives that kept us busy. Students were forced to learn online while their parents worked online. Senior students spent 4 years of their lives working towards a degree only to have the one ceremonial piece that made it worth it, a graduation, cancelled. Families spent months apart from each other due to travel bans and many families lost their homes due to job loss while communities of color were greatly impacted by racism and lack of adequate healthcare.

I imagine that the Israelites were no strangers to feelings of disappointment and impatience, in a lot of ways it is part of their history. While enslaved in Egypt they groaned just like in Psalm 13 “How Long Lord” waiting to be freed. Now fast forward to Jesus, a time when the Israelites are now anticipating the coming of a great conqueror to save them from the oppressive rule of the Roman empire. They are not expecting Jesus, a gentle man who spent his time with those who were deemed undesirable. In their anger and impatience they crucified him in an effort to stifle his movement and work on waiting for the next messiah. 

For his disciples and family, I imagine the Saturday after Jesus’ crucifixion was debilitating and quiet. In the Jewish tradition Saturday was a day meant for rest, a day where they could not busy themselves with work or other distractions. Many of them were hiding, worried they would not suffer the same fate because of their association with Jesus. While it felt as though Jesus had ended up being a great big disappointment, there was a lot more going on. Some argue that Jesus descended into hell to defeat Satan while others argue he was there saving lost souls. Ultimately, God was working on our behalf to defeat sin and free us from death forever.

While patience is one of the hardest virtues, it is also one of the most important to our walk as believers. It is hard especially during times of trial because it feels as though God is simply ignoring our suffering while expecting us to sing his praises. However quite the opposite is going on, God is working on our behalf in ways we are not able to see yet. On this Saturday the disciples thought God had forsaken them, they like the Israelites were groaning “…will you forget me forever?”. They did not realize that God had not forgotten about them but was in fact working to save them for eternity.

Written by Guerldyn Joanem

While Jesus was on the cross, he uttered 7 brief sentences. It is common to return to these, called the Seven Words or Seven Sayings, on Good Friday. Sometime between noon and 3pm, I invite you to meditate on these Seven Words. Read through each of these slowly, and more than once. 

Luke 23:34 – Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Luke 23:43 – Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.

John 19:26-27 – Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.

Matthew 27:46 + Mark 15:34 – My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

John 19:28 – I thirst.

John 19:30 – It is finished.

Luke 23:46 – Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. 

Consider this, that Jesus is nearly dead – he has been beaten and whipped. He has been abandoned and denied by those in his inner circle. He has been forced to carry a heavy wooden cross through town and up a hill. He has been brutally nailed to that cross, which were designed to make it painful and difficult to even breathe. So each word he pushes out of his lungs must be worth the effort. 

Which saying from Jesus stands out to you? Go read that saying in its full context- read the 8-10 verses before and after the saying that has stood out to you. Who is Jesus talking to? What significance does this statement carry? How is that saying reaching across the last 2,000 years to speak to you now? 

When Jesus had spoken his last, although it was the middle of the day (sometime between noon and 3pm, hence the timing of this meditation today), the sky went dark. In the temple, a curtain that had separated the laypeople from the inner sanctum of God for thousands of years was ripped in two, from top to bottom. It was God the Father saying that we are no longer separated from Him. Jesus had made a way. 

I want to move your imagination now to the disciples on that strange Friday afternoon, where the sun went dark midday, where the ancient curtain was impossibly torn, where the man who they thought was the Messiah gasped his last breath. They didn’t know then that he would rise from the dead. Had they just wasted the last 3 years? Who would ever love them like Jesus had? Think also of Mary, who more than anyone had poured herself out for Jesus. Her very body had been broken to bring him into the world. What did she have to show for it now? Where were those wise men, that shiny star that promised Emmanuel, God With Us? 

Sometimes, I get so caught up in Lent, in making time to pray, in fasting, in listening to Lenten devotionals, that I forget about Holy Week. I forget that Jesus was a real person who was really murdered by Empire and Religious Leaders. I forget that he had a mother who held his lifeless and battered body. I forget that he had laughed and stoked campfires and thrown nets to catch fish. I forget that he probably had calluses on his palms from sanding down wood. I forget that his words, his robes, his saliva had healed people. When I remember, I am heavy-laden with grief. Because that is what Mary and the disciples stood to lose. That is what Peter thought about as he hovered at the fringes of the crowd, burdened with shame as he remembered he and Jesus’ last exchange. 

Westerners in general, but Americans in particular, are allergic to grief. In a culture that pulls us up by our bootstraps, that feeds us empty Dreams, that tells us we are sufficient in and of ourselves, that would rather split its own soul than to ever face its faults…where is there room for the messy, non-linear shape of grief? We would rather rush to pleasant platitudes and plastic smiles. We want Easter, yes, and Easter will come even if we have to drag it here prematurely. 

As I write this, I want to wrap us up in a comfy place. I want to look forward with eager expectation at the jubilation Sunday will bring. I want to remind us that this Good Friday is not the end of the story for us. I am uncomfortable with naming the grief of this loss if I don’t soften it with the hope of what is to come.

But I think

It is a good practice

To sit in the lament

And not rush to the victory

Because the tomb is not yet empty, and the victory is not yet won

Not yet, not yet, not yet. 

As you think about your meditation on one of Jesus’ final sayings, as you allow yourself to remember the reality of his life and death, as you find yourself at the scene of the cross in kinship with the disciples and with Mary…what grief do you need to name? What echoes around in your heart saying, “Not yet, not yet, not yet”? What victory are you waiting for? What loss are you hoping to have restored to you? In short…where do you need resurrection? How is God inviting you to wait in that need this Friday? 

If you’d like to continue in your remembering of the cross, check out this video on the Stations of the Cross written by students from the School of Restorative Arts and North Park Theological Seminary : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=304KVHLrlH4&feature=youtu.be

Written by Sara Woody

*Note: Check out our Holy Week Playlist on Spotify (linked here) as you read and reflect on the following. Today’s songs are O Come to the Altar, Scandal of Grace, and Come As You Are.*

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

At the church I grew up in, 5^th grade was the year that most students participated in their first communion. Leading up to this event, there were several classes that I went to with my peers and our parents to teach us about this process and its significance. A few weeks later I watched as my friends took their first communion at a special church service while I remained a spectator in the pews. My parents thought I was too young and that the process was too rushed. They wanted my first communion to be my choice, and that I could let them know when I was ready. How long was I supposed to wait? How would I know when I was ready?

I sat with these questions for quite some time, and it wasn’t until my confirmation in 9^th grade that I told my parents I was ready. It was already a time that I was proclaiming my testimony to the church and taking ownership over my faith. What a more fitting opportunity to celebrate than by partaking in the Lord’s supper! It ended up being a really special moment, as my parents surprised me by signing up to serve communion that Sunday.

Before communion is served, a pastor will often read from 1 Corinthians, retelling the events of Maundy Thursday. Every time we participate in communion we practice the ancient tradition of entering a covenant and we are reminded that Jesus died on the cross for each and every one of our sins. Beyond this, we share a meal together as friends. This is something that Agape and Ecclesia does so well. When we are able to gather in person, the way in which we practice communion so perfectly captures the idea of community!

Whether or not your first communion experience was as memorable as mine, I challenge you to think carefully about the words of institution the next time you hear them. Jesus spoke these words to his followers and friends, knowing full well that one of them would betray him that same evening and another would deny him three times. Did Jesus wait for the right moment? That’s debatable. Were the disciples ready for this experience? Probably not, and that’s okay. But what Jesus did do was ensure that his heart and mind were in the right place as he shared this final meal.

Reflection Questions:

What do you currently do to prepare yourself for communion? What does it look like to prepare your heart and mind before an important and symbolic meal?

In addition to communion, where in your life is Jesus calling you to prepare your heart and mind?

 

Written by Emily Petersen

Scripture Reading: Numbers 9:15-23

It’s often when we feel most lost, most confused, most unsure of the next step that we feel Jesus draw near, pick us up and show us His way. In my own life, it was last semester, when I was at my lowest, that I felt Jesus the most near. When I did not know how I would even make it through the next day, I felt Jesus sustain me through each moment, hold me as I cried and walk with me to the next steps that He was guiding me to. When I was at my hardest moment, my wilderness, Jesus revealed Himself to me almost tangibly.

I imagine this is similar to how the Israelites must have felt in the wilderness for 40 years. They had no map, no food, and no idea of what challenges were ahead, but the Lord revealed His presence 24/7 in a cloud by day and a fire at night. “Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in the camp and did not move. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.” (Verse 22) When the Lord moved, they moved. When the Lord stayed, they stayed. They were in pure dependence on the Lord for every aspect of their lives, but most notably, the journey they were on. 

In my hardest moments, that is where I felt Jesus led me to, pure dependence on Him. The beautiful thing is that the dependence did not end when my hard season was over, I was healed, and life was notably easier. It continued on in every aspect of my life afterwards, inviting Him into the little and big moments and decisions that followed. 

Lent is a time to draw near and come into agreement with the Lord’s plan for our life. It is a time to develop a greater dependence on Him and all He has done and is going to do for us. For me this has been taking a Sabbath.  While this may seem like just resting, I have realized that this has forced me to depend on Him even more.  I have had to trust that He can do more with my six days then I could do with my seven days and depend on Him for the motivation and time to get my work done in the other six days of the week.

The beautiful thing is the dependence that grows in Lent does not end there.  It continues on to foster a deeper relationship. Instead of needing a cloud by day and a fire by night, we are led by His spirit through our wildernesses, mountaintops and valleys and every twist and turn life has to offer.

 

Reflection:

How in the remaining time of Lent can you make room for more dependence on Jesus in your life? 

What decisions and moments, both big and small, can you bring Jesus into in this time and depend on Him and His word as you walk through those?

How can you grow in feeling His presence, not just in your quiet times, but 24/7 as the Israelites experienced in the wilderness? 

Written by Ciara Wingfield

Scripture Reading: Mark 10: 17-27

I was a freshman in a high school Bible study, we were discussing the nativity story. The president of the club, giving the discussion, said this regarding the scene “The first words that someone ever said to Jesus were We don’t have room for you”.

A hush fell over the room as all this group of freshman and sophomore girls–all ten of us–fell collectively still and silent. The sudden realization sent us into something between contemplation and sorrow, especially as she continued, “Over and over again, baby Jesus was told as they were turned away from inns, We don’t have room for you. And people still say that to Jesus. They refuse to open their hearts, saying to him, “There’s no room for you here.”

Strictly speaking, that statement isn’t necessarily historical truth–what about everything that happened on the journey over? what about all the words Mary likely whispered to her growing baby?–it’s something that’s stuck with me ever since. Especially in the context of our hearts–between our schedules, our relationships, our hobbies, and ourselves, there is so much warring to occupy the space of our mental and emotional devotion that Jesus is often shoved aside to make room. In terms of our lives (much less our hearts), we often crowd out our time with God, whittling away at it to make time for “more important” things.

Thus, even though it’s a bit cliche, I wanted us to read and reflect on the story of the rich young ruler. There is one thing standing in the way of him and a relationship with God–wealth. As young college students, this likely doesn’t seem like a character we could relate to. But what about the wealth of obligations we have, the wealth of entertainment we have access to, the wealth of relationships constantly battling for dominance? Like money, none of these things are inherently bad, but when we can’t give them up, even for God, they have the potential to become, as they are for the rich man, a barrier to the Kingdom of Heaven.

But Lent is a season when we make room. We take things that are important to us and deliberately set them aside so we can create extra space for God by upsetting our daily rhythms, or removing something that competes for our attention.

Reflection:

What have you given up in this season, in order to posture yourself towards God?

More importantly, what, like the rich young ruler, do you find yourself unable to let go of when God asks?

How can we take the lessons we learn from “making room” during Lent back into our normal rhythms after Easter?

 

Written by Grace Watkins

*Note: Check out our Holy Week Playlist on Spotify (linked here) as you read and reflect on the following. Today’s songs are Rescue by Lauren Daigle and God Will Heal Our Wounds by Communal Hymn.*

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 56: 1-8

The idea that stuck out to me the most in this scripture was the idea of hope of justice. God is justice. God is coming to rescue us. But what about right now?

As I write this, my heart is heavy. God, I love you, but where is your righteousness? This set of scripture is titled “Blessings for All Nations” but I have a hard time believing that right now. How can all nations be blessed when people are being killed because of their ethnicity? Where someone of one skin color is taken into police custody alive when someone of a darker skin color would have likely been killed?

God is for everyone. Whoever commits themselves to God, regardless of who they are or where they from, is saved. It did not matter where they were from. In the New Testament, Jesus welcomes all, Gentile and Jew. How do I reconcile that when earthly humans murder someone because of who they are?

God says to be just and fair and do what is right and good. I think it is alright to question this. To question this when bad things that are not just or fair or right or good happen. Still in my questioning, I turn to God with my heavy heart.

I do my part by praying but also call to action. I pray to God to guide leaders to make change. I pray for God to extend his righteousness upon the justice system. I can do what is good and just in the meantime as God does his work.

As I turn my mind to Holy Week, I think it’s a good symbol for what is to come. We know that Jesus is resurrected after he dies on the cross. But there was a period of waiting. A period of darkness. In my mind, I turn to God for hope and justice even now in a period of waiting. We have the hope of Jesus resurrected and there is hope of good to come.

I’m using this time to grieve with God and wait for His righteousness to come. The God of all nations and all people to restore His right to the world.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you help invite everyone, people from all backgrounds and nations, into the kingdom of God?
2. What do you do in the waiting for God’s righteousness to be enacted? How do you help follow His laws of being just and fair to all in this waiting?
3. What does God coming to rescue us look like right now? What are ways God is rescuing us right now? Is He moving through anyone in your life or community?

 

Written by Allie Scheu

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Who is this?  If you want to know one of the most important questions in the biblical story, here you have it.  

Who is this man whom many claim to be a prophet?  Who is this man who has performed many miracles but also caused many to call for his death?  To any bystander at the time, they would have known that Jesus choosing to enter Jerusalem on a donkey was a Middle Eastern sign of peace.  Jesus was not coming to Jerusalem with worldly power to start a war; for even a child can tell you that donkeys don’t win many wars.  Jesus was coming in divine power to teach and establish his Father’s peace.  

As we begin Holy Week, I want us to keep the question of, “who is Jesus” at the forefront of our minds.  I want us to think about the men and women who laid down their coats and palm branches declaring, “Jesus is Lord!”  As college students some two thousand years later, we are tempted to rush to the end of the story or recite to others what we have been taught ti be the right answer to the question of who Jesus is.  Sadly, what we often miss is that the Christian life is not a destination so much as a journey.  

The Christian life is a journey with real people in a real world with real problems towards a real heaven.  Later this week we will see real communion alongside real betrayal (Maundy Thursday), followed by real death (Good Friday), real silence (Holy Saturday), and real resurrection (Easter Sunday).  

So let me ask you, who is Jesus?  In a world lived through screens and tweets, what do your real relationships, real actions, and your real words say about Jesus?  If you feel you fall short, know that you still fit the criteria for a good disciple!  I’ll be the first to admit that I fall short of God’s intention and goodness every day.

This Holy Week, I invite you to reflect on this question for yourself but also with others.  Fall in love with Jesus.  Fall in love with this story.  Here is a wonderful article for those who are interested in learning more about the context of the story for Palm Sunday.  

Hosanna in the highest,
Alec

Solo Marco Polo: Rose Rumery

Hello!

Hi!

What is your name?

Rose Rumery

What is your middle name?

Frances.

Is there a story there?

It’s kind of in the family. But also on my birth certificate it’s Rose Frances Challa Rumery. So I have my mom’s maiden name there, too.

Four names, like a British person.

Yeah, and I’m the only one who got Challa in there somehow.

Nice. So Rose, what’s some of the most interesting food you’ve made in the past two weeks?

With the help of Eden, we’ve made lots of interesting things- my favorite being our sweet potato tacos. We always have some guace, some spicy sweet potatoes, and we added some bacon, and jalapenos- those are my favorites. We also bake a lot of things, whether it’s bread or pretzels or cookies.

If someone wanted to find these recipes, are they available?

Well, we do have an Instagram you can follow. Also, trying to convince Eden to make a cookbook- that would be fun. But, you can always hit me up for a fast recipe.

What’s the name of the Instagram account?

I think it’s @edenroseeatz, which I have been told should be changed to “@edencooksroseeatz”

 

(short intermission where we comment on finding a single child’s shoe during our walk)

 

So, how did you find Agape+Ecclesia?

I think I went to FaithFest- I knew I wanted to get involved right away as a freshman, so I know I went there and tried out an Agape right away.

Do you remember the first person you met?

I do not- I do remember there being a lot of people. It was in Damen Den. I met a lot of people because I was a freshman. I specifically remember being overwhelmed because it was a lot of people, leaving quickly, and forgetting my water bottle which is a classic Rose move. So I waited out in Damen until I thought everyone had left, and then I went back and of course, Mike Moore was still there. We had a conversation where I was like “okay, he seems pretty chill.”

What would you say draws you into the community?

I think the authentic relationships. Everyone is really different, which is really cool; it’s not just one culture of people, or some classic Christian culture. I think we bring lots of different backgrounds and experiences. Even just our student personalities are different around the board, and so its fun to come together and have something that unites us in that way.

Do you remember how you became a Christian?

I grew up in the church, and- it was a Catholic church, and I would always play the bells in the choir and cute things like that. I remember not really understanding what a relationship with Jesus was until middle school. I went to camp- Camp Geneva. That was a turning point in my faith, just realizing “oh, this isn’t just a Sunday tradition, but something that I can let drive my life.”

What draws you to Jesus?

This is a tough question, but I’d say just the way that he acts in relationships. How he sees the people who aren’t seen, and is always uplifting the broken and marginalized. That’s a really cool thing to see in what we consider the person to worship in our faith. That’s very different from a lot of the people in power. Just that relationship thing, again.

Do you remember the last time you laughed really loud?

I feel like I laugh a lot, but specifically me and my cousin Josie will send Marco Polo videos to each other, and we will just cry-laugh over video to each other. She has such a contagious laugh. So technically I’d be alone laughing hysterically, but it’s been fun and cool to still have those conversations and a relationship with her.

What breaks your heart?

I think it’s probably hate in general- whenever I have friends who are hurt by hate and when I see it in the world. It makes me really sad to have division in any way, and have those things driven by human prejudice and hate. It doesn’t make sense and it wouldn’t make sense to anybody if you knew these people had that real love for people, so that breaks my heart.

What gives you hope?

So many things- especially lately, I’ve seen hope in a lot of places, but something I’ve come back to is how I see God in nature and in the ways that He has created this earth and sustains it. You can just look anywhere, whether in an animal or plant or tree, and see how there is resilience in them. I look at them and think “wow, we are loved even more than that” and are created even more resilient than that.

I like that word “resilience”. So, what is keeping you sane, or resilient, in COVID-19?

I think I’ve been findinga  lot of fun outlets- I’ve gotten back into running some longer miles since I have the time. Also getting to see different parts of the neighborhood. Doing a lot of art again- getting back into things that I’ve missed doing. I also like to write letters to people.

Is there a book or piece of art or podcast or music that you think everyone should experience?

I feel like I could do a whole talk just on this, but, I really love Mary Oliver- she writes some amazing poems. I would look into her writing, because it’s really beautiful- it’s spiritaully driven but she writes a lot about nature, too.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to folks listening?

I would say, just really try to fight the culture of college. It’s really worth it to try to be present and to combat the culture of anxiety. That’s something that I’ve thought all throughout college. I want to remember the little moments rather than how hard I prepared for my future. We all know that, as hard as we’ve prepared, those things can be ripped out beneath us.

//

 

Eggs and Bunnies Taste Better: Jeffrey Lillard

Hello!

Hi.

What is your name?

Jeffrey Michael Lillard the 1st.

The first of his name.

Well, probably not.

Are you much of an Easter candy guy?

Yeah, I think so- my favorites are Reese’s. They taste better when they’re in egg form or bunny form. I guess that’s the go to, as well as, what are they called, Canterbury?

Cadbury.

Cadbury! Those are good as well.

When did you find Agape+Ecclesia?

I found A+E over the summer before I transferred- I was looking on the Loyola campuis ministry website. I think that was the time I was getting into greek words and Christianity, so I saw Agape and I don’t know where I went from there- I just remember getting put on the Facebook page before the semester started. I remember meeting (Tyler) and Alec and Faith Fest. I’d reached out to you, but I can’t remember what I said.

What draws you into the community?

Very energetic, passionate, loving, affirming. That’s what I really remember. My first Agape was weird. People were so nice and friendly; I remember Joshua Webb and Krista Smith. The significant moments in that first Agape were where I noticed “these people really care about me and want me here.” I think that continues to draw me in, as well. Because that drew me in, it made me want to have more of an impact on these other people like they did for me. 

Why are you a Christian?

I am convinced that Jesus Christ is pretty cool; utterly amazing. And that giving him my life and following him is worth every bit of it. I have been convicted of that.

What draws you to Jesus?

His compassion; his love for all people, for people who I have a hard time loving. His teachings, his parables are amazing. His passion, of course, is remarkable- the way he fulfilled this amazing narrative that we find in the Bible. It’s hard to ignore.

What gives you hope?

An easy Christian answer would be Jesus and what he did on the cross. His victory over death is pretty hopeful for all of us. 

What did he do on the cross that we couldn’t do for ourselves?

He took on sin and he bore our sin. Even saying that sounds very theological so I want to explain it better- he took the punishment that we deserved because we’ve all done pretty awful things. That unfortunately deserves a punishment that we aren’t able to bear, and that God doesn’t want us to bear. So he his son to bear that for us.

What has God done for you that you couldn’t do for yourself?

I think he’s given me hope; I can’t give myself hope. I’ve had points where I feel hopeless in my own abilities. Jesus’ love and his reaching out to me at my lowest and most in despair moments, he’s given me hope that I never could have gotten for myself.

Is there a book that you think everyone should read or an album they should listen to? I know you’re a book guy and a music guy, but I feel like people know less about your music guy side.

Yeah, can I do both?

Sure.

Album is tricky- I’d have to go with a King’s Kaleidoscope album, but which one? I might have to do Zeal or Becoming Who We Are. I have too many books, but one book that everyone should read? I’ll say Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.

What do you love about it?

The humor strikes me at the same time as the power and importance of the topic. There is such a heaviness to every part of that book. To be able to listen to what the devil wants you to think is pretty powerful, but you can find yourself having these “aha!” moments and saying “oh that makes sense.” A lot of feelings.

What words of wisdom would you give to yourself from three years ago when you were starting Loyola?

I think I was trying very hard to be someone; I was sort of in a hurry to become someone that I thought I wanted to be, but really I had no idea. I didn’t even know why. I would tell myself to not be in such a hurry to become someone that you think you want to be, because you’re probably gonna find out that that person isn’t what you want. My advice would be to take the future person you want to be to God and give that over to him- not think about it too much, but think about the present and how you can become more Christlike.

Lukewarm Takes on Running: Jamie Jacobsen

What’s your name?

My name is Jamie Jacobsen.

Jamie- I saw on your gmail that your middle name starts with “D”- can you elaborate?

Hm. Yes, funny that ask that, Tyler. My middle name is Dawn, and when I was born, someone came up to my parents and said “Jamie Dawn! You name your daughter after both of you!” and my parents were like “what?” , but “Jamie” is another name for “James”, so I’m named after both of my parents unintentionally.

That’s awesome. I love that. Jamie, what have you been doing to stay sane during quarantine?

I’ve been trying to figure that out. I’ve been running a lot, and I hate running. But I’m so desperate to go outside, so I go running and it does the job.

How did you find out about A+E?

I found out about A+E through my friend Sydney Lach, who went to church here- she was actually the reason I went to Loyola. She was 3 or 4 years older than me, and she would always talk about A+E because we went to the same church back home, and my first memory was a dance party with Alec (Kenny) and Sydney and I thought “This will be a fun church to go to if you’re one of the pastors.”

What would you say draws you into the community?

A lot of things- I’ve been thinking about this a lot, actually, and I mentioned it to you the other day. I’ve never been a part of a church that is more authentic and real, and there’s no feathers to fluff, no faking it. It’s like “this is who we are- we have limited resources, but we love Jesus and each other a lot. It’s very community-based, and that’s the foundation because it kind of has to be the foundation. From that flows authenticity and a genuine spirit, and it’s just great.

That is true, we do have limited resources, yes. So, why are you a Christian?

I’m a Christian because Jesus, although it’s a crazy concept and he’s a crazy person, is the only thing that makes sense to me. I grew up in the faith, but I’ve definitely done my own searching and every time I come back to Jesus. I’ve never experienced life like I have in the body of Christ. It’s something unexplainable that I haven’t found anywhere else and I don’t think I ever will. Also, I’ve seen God work in my life in ways that are unexplainable. I also believe in everything Jesus stood for and stands for.

What about Jesus makes sense to you, or what draws you to Jesus?

Our world is so broken, and people are so broken, but the life of Jesus completely restores that in a way that humans would have never thought to do. We’ve tried again and again to fix a system that is broken, and yet it will still never be fixed by us. Jesus comes and fixes it in a way that we never would have, and in that, we have life. That makes sense to me, even though it doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t make sense that Jesus becomes a child, and born out of wedlock- these things are so crazy, and yet are so relatable. In order for a king to be followed by his people, he needs to know his people at the deepest level. So it makes sense.

What breaks your heart?

I think when people aren’t given dignity and respect, no matter who they are. No matter if you disagree with their lifestyle or whatever. Inequality breaks my heart and is infuriating to me.

What gives you hope?

People. Especially in a season like this, I know it’s so difficult because people can be hurtful and mean, but also I think humanity’s inclination is always towards the good. It’s in our pursuit of the good that we can mess up sometimes, but I believe that people are good, and I think that’s a reflection of how God created us- we make mistakes and can become bad, but yeah.

It’s Holy Week so I’ll do one I usually do, but put a spin on it- I usually ask “What did God do for you that you couldn’t do for yourself?”  But today I’ll ask- what did Jesus do on the cross that we couldn’t do for ourselves?

Wow. Reconciliation. Fulfillment of a law that we could never fulfill. I think it’s really summed up in redemption- it’s a sacrifice that we can try to do every day and strive for, but we couldn’t do it. Jesus is God and God died for us- that’s something we’ll never come close to.

In closing, what would you say as parting words of wisdom to folks who are new to the community, or who will be here for a while?

I would encourage people to continue to love the church, and the people of God, no matter what happens. Things can happen in the church that are really hard and difficult; you can have disagreements. But this is the presence of God on earth. Expressed through broken people, and it’s a hard relationship because it’s so beautiful and broken, but that’s the essence of what Jesus did for us, so continue to love the church- work for the church and for the church you want to see. Know that grace must be given and it’s a beautiful thing.

 

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(We Can’t) Count the Graces: Eden Young

Hello! What’s your name? 

My name is Eden Young.

What’s your middle name?

Grace.

Wow, how many Grace’s do we have in this church?

A lot. I joked at one point that I would go by Grace.

Okay- Eden Grace Young. If someone were visiting your hometown, where would you take them first?

My hometown is Laguna Beach, CA, and I would make a whole day of it- I’d start with a morning hike behind the house I used to live in. It’s about an hour and a half, and you get the best views over our whole town.  From there, we would go get nectar juice to refuel, and then we’d go to the beach for the middle of the day- go stand-up paddle-boarding. And then maybe go to Active where they do frozen yogurt bowls because those are delicious.

That sounds like a great day. Eden, how did you find out about A+E?

I went to…either Faith Fest or the other fair, but I went to one or both of them- I’d known about Cru through my parents, and then I heard about A+E. Y’all had the first of the events, so that’s what I went to and I fell in love with the community and stayed with it. I went to Sunday Sundaes in Palm Court.

I remember that!

Yeah- that’s where I first met Mike, and he talked to me the whole time and I was like “wait- the pastor is gonna talk to me the whole time? I feel so special!”

Did Mike tell you who you looked like that night?

I can’t remember if it was the first time, but they always tell me every time, and they’ve drawn both of us together at events and been like “you look like the exact same person!” What’s her name?

Mary Williams.

Mary Williams- yes! So fun.

What draws you into the community?

I think a big part was the student leadership- I’d always been a part of leadership at my church back home, but it wasn’t as structured or guided, and these were student leaders that were intent on discipling each other and growing together. There was direction for how to do that, because we always wanted to do that at my old church but it just never really worked out. The intent behind the building of the community is what drew me in.

Why are you a Christian?

That is a great big question! I’m a Christian because I’ve known and seen God work through my life- the blessings he’s given me and the trials he’s walked through with me. The purpose he’s given me to live my life, knowing that without Him, I’m walking through this world for myself, but with Christ, I’m able to live for and with others.

So related to that, what draws you to Jesus?

I think it’s just- it’s like what Alex always says, we were made to live in community and how God doesn’t want us to be our best just for ourselves, but for the world. I’ve always been a very future-oriented person, wanting my life and work to have meaning. Not just to live for myself.

What breaks your heart?

What breaks my heart is when people are labeled and they become that label in a negative way. I’m in education, and I thin one of the most heart-breaking experiences I’d had there is when this kid I’d been teaching for a year came up to me, and we’d seen his behavior change. I asked “what’s wrong?” and he said “I’m a bad kid!” – he’d done some bad things, and people told him he was a bad kid, and he started to become that. So yeah- just seeing people hurt each other and label each other as bad, rather than as God’s children.

What gives you hope?

What gives me hope is that there are so many amazing people out there that are able to love so fearlessly and almost effortlessly with Christ. The way they can give themselves and how that changes their lives and the lives of those around them.

What has God done for you that you couldn’t do for yourself?

So many things. He’s given me a purpose- to see the world in a new light and appreciate it for the way it is, but als the way that it can change and become more his kingdom on earth.

What are your tips for staying sane in quarantine?

Staying sane- definitely not watching more than three episodes of something in a row. Getting up and moving around, whether that’s yoga or taking a walk. Talking to the people that live with you- even if there is a physical connection, you need an emotional connection. Rose and I make dinner together every night- we try to make a fun creation to bring beauty to our day.

What’s a book that everyone should read?

I love C.S. Lewis- I love Weight of Glory and Screwtape Letters. It’s so different, but so convicting.

Any closing words of wisdom?

Pour into the people around you. Even when you think you don’t have time- make time for your community, because you don’t know when a pandemic is gonna hit and you won’t get to see them for a while.