A Walk to Remember
The other night, my son Jaxsen and I stepped out of the church into the peaceful evening. Walking home, we enjoyed the quiet night air and the sounds of rural living. This starkly contrasted with the chaotic, loud, and busy city life I remember from my youth when I would spend time in Los Angeles. In Mill City, the mountains stand as silent guardians in the distance, the trees sway gently in the breeze, the North Santiam River flows with a soothing rhythm, and wildlife is a common, delightful sight. It’s a peaceful world, so different from the city’s constant buzz and glaring abundance of light.
However, one challenge became apparent during our walk. As we walked along the sidewalk, the darkness made it difficult to see. Jaxsen and I realized how easy it was to trip and how this could be a safety concern for our church and community. This experience sparked our conversation as we recognized the truth that it is time to add some lights to enhance our church property, but in a way that respects and preserves the natural beauty of Mill City.
A Year of Blessings in Our New Home
As we approach the one-year anniversary of our new church building, it’s a time of grateful reflection. I am happy with how far we have come this last year, but reflecting on our evening walk also helped me recognize our need for better lighting. We are installing outdoor lights this winter to make our walkways and parking lot safer.
Lighting Our Way Forward
As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” In a literal sense, these lights will guide our steps during evening services and events, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all, especially in the darker months of fall and winter. It’s a project that intertwines the safety of our churchgoers with a deep respect for the environment we are blessed to be part of. Installing new outdoor lighting is not just a practical improvement; it also lets our community know of our growth and commitment to enhancing our community while being mindful of the natural beauty of the Santiam Canyon.
Envisioning a Bright Future
This is more than just the practical installation of new lights; it’s about being a light to our community. Now, I know some might think, “okay, Pastor Paul is stretching it here, over-spiritualizing some lightbulbs.” But stick with me. Jesus gives us a powerful picture in Matthew 5:14-16, not to a country or a nation, but to His people, His disciples, and to the church: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden…” This message urges us to let our “light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.”
This project transcends physical illumination; it’s about our light – our actions and sacrifices – being on display as we remove any obstacles that might hinder someone from hearing the gospel for generations to come. In Oregon, where it’s dark half the year, lights make it easier for new people to find and feel comfortable coming to our church. This is a critical part of our grander vision and the next milestone in our outward growth. We must guard against complacency, continually seeking ways to extend the gospel message.
Lighting up Our Next Step
This Sunday, we will begin our Thanksgiving Offering. This special collection is dedicated to raising funds for the new outdoor lights. We ask you to pray about what God would call you to give above and beyond your regular giving to help make our church a safer and more welcoming place for everyone. This season of gratitude is the perfect time to come together, raise $4,000, and shine a light on what we can achieve as a united church family.
