We’ve all been “locked down” for three weeks now – how are you doing?

Every now and then we just have to get out – but it seems the entire world is also thinking that.  On Saturday daughter Siri and I drove past the packed parking lot of Garland Park, and continued on to a remote and little used section — what’s called, “Garzas Canyon.”

As we hiked along in isolation, occasionally we’d come across a family with small children, or a lone person with their dogs.  We would look at each other, right in the eye, and offer some kind of greeting.   We all seemed hungry for connection.

We think we’re going out for air, but we’re really going out for our souls.  Staying inside, within our walls, may save lives, but it won’t save our souls.  Walls can destroy our spiritual health.

Our church has been without its walls of worship now for three weeks.  But we can thrive without its walls.  Our small groups and members are in fellowship and learning through Zoom, group text messages and emails.  And we’re encouraging you to connect beyond the church to the community — our restaurants, stores and service groups need our help right now!

We love our beautiful chapel and miss its sacred spirit.  But our chapel’s walls of glass are a powerful symbol of Christian faith – we have a faith that must go “outside,”  that’s at its best when its on the road with Jesus, that seeks to love our neighbors without walls.

This week I’ll preach about walls, reflecting on Romans 10.