From a letter written December 18, 2024, to my friends and the amazing followers of Jesus at TimberRidge, Issaquah WA, USA.

 

IF YOU WERE HOME

at TimberRidge’s North Wing last Wednesday, you can thank me for the dreaded tie-up of an elevator for 3-4 hours. But it’s not just the inconvenience that is troubling.It’s about change. The loss of an elevator in our community, even for a short time, is caused by the beginning of or end to an era.

 

ELEVATORS

have made many dear friends possible to me for the past,soon to be 6 years, by giving me access to a TimberRidgevillage that I believe God is still creating.

 

I wasn’t introduced to my elevator, among others, by chance. For that matter, none of us were. We made a choice—a leap of faith. We chose our elevator because it offered access to comfort or security, proximity to desired services, and the staving off of loneliness, all reasons differing to each of us yet similar to all of us.

 

In my faith tradition, the idea of God having a wonderful purpose for our lives is big. No matter how random ourbirth may seem, we did not just happen onto the scene. In God’s world, no one is an accident. We are all unique, and each of us is a necessary part of the whole. That is whyour “elevator choices” are so important. They offer an opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

 

SO WHAT HAS BEEN

my purpose in being here at TimberRidge? And why am I leaving? If you and I are not random choices, then what? The Bible teaches again and again the use of ‘simple to confound the wise.’

 

TimberRidge is filled with men and women of great learning and past success, yet sometimes missing in our gathered understanding is the one true God’s divine wisdom. My purpose in life has always been as a simple reminder to everyone, even the learned and successful, of the importance of this oft-missing ingredient.

 

Centuries ago, the Apostle Paul stood up and said, “People of Athens! I see that in every way, you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23 Bible NT).

 

Paul taught and especially emphasized the implications of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, a faith factor of great importance to those of us in this season of life.

 

I AM LEAVING TODAY

because “The Fellowship” at TimberRidge was and is His, not mine. It was mine to help begin and lead for a while and to establish a foundation. This is true wherever families and churches are begun Now it is up to you. You all have grown so much in confidence and spiritual direction. Now, as followers of Jesus, let everything you are and do bring him glory. No matter what, be your best for him!

 

The Word taught, and spiritual nourishment happening. Now, it is Chaplain Michael Ryan’s turn to be our new shepherd. And the best is still ahead for us all.

 

I AM LEAVING

a fellowship of ‘new elders’ in Christ. A fellowship that is simple—sometimes messy. We all like great churches, liturgies, and grand music. What’s not to love about that? But that is not this.

 

Yet something special happens in TimberRidge’s Talus Hall for fifty minutes on Sundays: something warm and wonderful, sacred and holy, thoughtful and inspiring. It feels like the church of 2000 years ago—pure, fresh, and exciting. Emboldened to be followers of Jesus, we tell our stories, care unselfishly, and live in hope and faith with families and friends. We make a positive contribution to culture and community and share a message of hope and God’s love.

 

I am a follower of Jesus. When he calls, I know it is time to go. My work here is done. Ahead of me is a season of reflective and thoughtful writing, in which I will continue telling the story of Jesus through the power of story.

 

For a few hours today, one of the elevators in the North wing will be unavailable. When you step aboard again, remember what the elevator means to you. Be thoughtful, and thank you for your patience.

 

I am leaving today.

But Mike is coming.

And Jesus never left.

 

 

 

May Jesus always keep us close.

 

   

 

Ward and Gage.

 

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