This Week in the Reformed Journal: Advent Hope in the Midst of Devastation
Dear Friends,
It didn’t escape me that we posted Syd Hielema’s essay on the church in 2047 during a week in which much of North America was covered by a massive storm. The storm is yet another salvo in the ongoing barrage of climate events happening around (and to) us. Syd’s article takes climate devastation into account, maybe so much so that some could miss his hopeful vision of how the church might endure through coming crises. I felt like Syd’s article is one of the most important we’ve published, and hope you’ve taken the time not just to read it but to think deeply about it.
The Church of Jesus in 2047: Life After the Decade from Hell — reformedjournal.com The NBY network also refer to themselves as “The Includers;” welcoming all into their fellowship; experiencing deep belonging is their highest value. They are Generation INC. They do not ground themselves in a statement of beliefs, but rather, in a set of values which they intentionally seek to embody together.
That Advent theme of hope in the midst of devastation was picked up in Seth Kaper-Dale’s blog piece tying the release of Brittney Griner to John the Baptist. I never would have made that connection, and appreciated Seth’s ability to weave today’s headlines into the biblical stories that form and shape us.
Go tell John that Brittney Griner was released! — blog.reformedjournal.com Go tell John what you hear and see. The blind receive their sight. The poor have good news brought to them, and Brittney Griner was released from a Russian prison forced labor camp.
Sarah Kalthof Sims used the phrase “halted by wonder” as she spoke of her poem “Blackberry Blood” with Rose Postma. Citing her debt to Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver, Sims’s words (and poem) are an invitation to stop, look, and listen.
“Blackberry Blood” by Sarah (Kalthoff) Sims In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Sarah (Kalthoff) Sims about her poem "Blackberry Blood." Sarah is originally from the Midwest but has moved to the Pacific Northwest. She is a Master of Fine Arts candidate at Seattle Pacific University. You can find her recent work in Opus Literary Magazine, Collision Magazine, Ekstasis Magazine, and her website https://thepleasanttrees.wordpress.com/.
Blackberry Blood — reformedjournal.com Late August humdrum heat hanging from brittle bushes by the nearly dried-up crick ...
I felt the same way reading Gayle Bos on Advent this week. Last week a painted turtle, this week a chickadee. What creature will Sunday bring? Do yourself a favor and don’t skim past Gayle’s insightful Advent meditations.
Advent with Chickadee — blog.reformedjournal.com Half-an-ounce of feather, flesh, and hollow bone, a chickadee in your palm would feel like the weight of two nickels.
Back to Sarah Kalthoff Sims for a moment. Her poem “Barren” invites pause and wonder in the midst of struggle and sadness. Please don’t skim past this either.
Barren — reformedjournal.com The heifer straings against the conrtaction rippling through her body and the first calf emerges, glistening ...
That’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There is much, much more to take in, as always, at our home page. And as I wrap this up, let me once again invite you to take advantage of our But Wait, There’s More offer for those supporting the Reformed Journal during this season.
Blessed Reading,
Jeff Munroe
Editor