Jesus said, “Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

~Matthew 6:33-34

Rooted

Last week I was on the Austin Seminary campus as a new member of the alumni leadership team. Class of 2017, represent!

I spent my free time walking around, ready to visit all my favorite restaurants. I went for a fried avocado at Trudy's, only to discover that the campus Trudy’s closed. I decided to go for some pizza rolls at Double Dave’s, where we used to meet our Seminary of the Southwest friends, but that building wasn’t even there; apartments now stand in its place. Thought I might get a taco at Sao Paulo … also closed. Whomp whomp.

So much has changed on 30th and Speedway. Crown and Anchor is still there though – a burger bulwark in a sea of progress.

There were also beautiful additions I discovered on campus as I walked around: a labyrinth for centering is available outside for anyone who walks by, and a media center is set up in the beautiful, brand-new library.

With all this change I stopped to remind myself of what was the same — students are still learning, growing, and discerning, including our illustrious summer intern, Emily Fenwick. Chapel still points the gathered community to God every Tuesday at 11:10 a.m. just as it did in 2017. There, we are invited to receive the bread and cup with the old, faithful words of the ever-renewing new covenant. Even amid many changes, I felt grounded in God’s ever flowing stream of strength and hope there.

Friends, I don’t have to tell you that society today looks different then it did in years past. We are living in a changing political landscape, worn down by culture wars and fragmented media. So, in worship at Saint John’s this month, we will pay attention to how to connect to God, even when we are distracted by these changes, and, dare I say, worried about them.

Starting this Saturday with a contemplative retreat (register here), join us each Sunday as we root ourselves in God’s steadfast love. I long to connect deeply with God’s solid, hopeful, and holy wisdom. “Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness,” Jesus said. This season, we will.