Anticipating the Fullness: Christ the King

 Dear Friends,

The end of the church year is essentially an extended harvest celebration: on All Saints Sunday (last week) we commemorated those who’ve gone before us in the faith, grieving their death but holding hope for their resurrection life.

On November 23, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we will celebrate the feast of Christ the King: an anticipation of that final day when Jesus will return to reign and renew all things.

While we still wait for this great harvest of history, we prophetically bear witness to it now in our commitment to live together under the lordship of Christ. Even though we don’t yet see his subjection of all things (Heb. 2:8), we believe it is secure and will one day be visible.

This is the good news that gives us hope when things seem to be falling apart around us: as we live with corrupt leaders, divided nations, oppressed peoples, and broken families, we cling to the promise that renewal is real and is coming. One day the score will be settled and all shall be well. Until then, let us keep the feast!

Which brings me to news of our chili cook-off: after church on Nov. 23, we’ll feast on all the chilis of the Vine and vote for the best one. Cooks, bring your A-Game. Eaters, bring your appetite. All, bring your friends. We’ll also have a brief teaching on Advent and the chance to make an Advent wreath with fresh greenery from the Gradys’ farm.

Please RSVP here so we know how many mouths to feed (and who plans to compete!) as well as how many wreaths to order.

For you,

Hannah+