We live in a culture bent on definitions of a good life as continuous upward mobility–climbing ladders of prosperity with increasingly fabulous experiences that we can post to evermore-likable social media accounts. We may comb the shelves of the self-help section in search of just the right formula to gain success. Perhaps we even gravitate towards spiritual leaders who promise great rewards if we only do “the right thing.” But life happens, right? Most times we are not moving upward but trying to repair the rung we’ve just slipped from. So what if we stopped climbing and started fertilizing, watering, and blooming right where we find ourselves? Welcome to a Lent of affirming a faith in which we are blessed, regardless, and where we can lean into embracing our “good enough” lives.

This season of Lent, we will engage a worship series informed by Kate Bowler’s new book, Good Enough. Dr. Bowler is a professor at Duke University who, at 35, was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, causing her to think in different terms about the research and beliefs she had been studying. She penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved), which tells the story of her struggle to understand the personal and intellectual dimensions of the American belief that all tragedies are tests of character.

Last week, we were reminded that the difficulties of life aren’t punishment from God, but the manure that can help us grow. You can watch the service here. Next Sunday we engage the story of the prodigal child and the loving parent and how, no matter what, God’s grace is good enough.

You can join us in person or online at 10:30. Find the Order of Service here.

On Thursdays during Lent, we will gather by Zoom from 6:00 to 7:00pm to discuss readings from Kate Bowler's book of devotions, "Good Enough" and to join together in compline (evening prayer.) You can join us in our "virtual parlor," using the link below.

Colette Pichon Battle is a great example of small things being "good enough." She is a generational native of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. The ebb and flow of the Bayou was a background rhythm in her childhood to every aspect of life. She did not ever imagine in that childhood that she would one day be known as a “climate activist.” To be with Colette, and experience her brilliance of mind and spirit and action, is to open up all the ways the words we use and the stories we tell about the transformation of the natural world that is upon us blunt us to the courage we’re called to and the joy we must nurture as our primary energy and motivation. She is a vivid embodiment, too, of the new forms societal shift is taking in our world — led by visionary pragmatists close to the ground, in particular places, persistently and lovingly learning and leading the way for us all.

 

 

Pride is back and we will be there. Palm Beach Pride will be March 26-27 at Bryant Park right here in Lake Worth. This is a great opportunity for us to meet our community and show our support for LGBTQ people in Palm Beach County. If you are able to spend time at our table, see Pastor Jason or Barry Nicholson.

The Nehemiah Action is back in person this year!  

On Monday, March 28, at 7:00 PM we will gather with 1,800 people of faith from 20 other churches all over Palm Beach County at the Palm Beach County Convention Center to hold our public officials responsible for the problem of homelessness in our county.

As we seek to make positive changes in our community, our goal this year is to turn out 100 people. You should be invited by one of our Justice Ministry Network Members. If you need a ride, we will be car pooling from the church. We are looking forward to doing justice together!

Rev. Nelson Stone is leading a class on Dominic Crossan’s book on the Lord’s Prayer, The Greatest Prayer, via Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 6:30. If you would like to participate, email him at nstone812@gmail.com.