3.27.26

Dear Grace Family,

I mentioned a bit ago that while I love all of the Cleveland sports teams (and I do, probably too much), the one that has my heart the most is our baseball team. I’ve been an Indians/Guardians fan for most of my life and while they haven’t ever won and probably never will, there’s something about baseball season that makes me smile. Maybe it’s the warm summer to come or the hot dogs or the green grass. But, I think, mostly it’s because of the pace of the game. 

Why in the world is the pastor writing about baseball? Go with me. This sport isn’t for everyone. It’s an old game, maybe even a relic of a different time. But, baseball might be the slowest thing in my life, and maybe that’s why I like it. As our culture spins faster and faster, demanding more of our attention and time and energy, baseball is pretty slow (more slow than many would prefer). 

Further, as we move toward Easter next week, I’ve been reflecting on this season that many of you are familiar with on the church calendar called “Lent.” This Sunday will be the final day of this preparation season as folks contemplate God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Lent originally comes from the word that meant “spring.” But, as you know, Rachel and I spent years we loved in France and guess what the word “lent” means in French? It means: SLOW. 

Ok so this might feel like a stretch. Baseball and Lent and, now, what are we talking about? Stay with me for one more second. In this crazy world that wants more clicks and more emotional energy and more quick reactions, what we see in Jesus is an invitation to slow down with Him. In Matthew 11:28 he invites us to come to him if we’re weary and dealing with heavy burdens and he’ll give us REST. Let’s not be so quick in our effort to serve God or to survive our lives that we miss, even a couple of minutes to slow down in prayerful reflection about the miracle of salvation, of God’s wonderful love, of Jesus’ amazing grace. 

You don’t have to love baseball or celebrate Lent in a traditional way, but I do invite you to take a moment, even before Sunday, to pause and slow down with Jesus and spend time with Him. He’s waiting there in the quiet, and He’s more wonderful than we could know. 

Just two things to remind you of this morning. First, thanks for considering who you’ll invite to our Easter Weekend. We’ll start on Good Friday and journey all the way through Sunday with different offerings at all of our campuses. Please find all the info here!

And, as many of you heard about on Sunday, we’re launching Alpha the Tuesday after Easter on April 7th. I personally have loved participating in Alpha over the years. This is a place for anyone with questions about Christianity, doubts about God, or concerns about whether or not to follow Jesus to come for 8 weeks. It’s free, but don’t forget to register. And if not you, then what friend might benefit from this? 

With you on this (sometimes slow) journey,

Pastor Tim