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November Pastoral Letter

Perimeter Students

Hello Families, Over the last two weeks of October, about 300 middle and high school students devoted a weekend to worshipping the Lord, deepening relationships, and growing spiritually at their respective fall retreats. Framed through Christ’s prayer for His disciples in John 17, the middle schoolers were focused on the theme of being “Sent,” encouraging them in the Great Commission and considering how they are called to live it out at home, at school, and among their communities.

Meanwhile, high school students looked at Psalm 103 and leaned into the theme of “Retreat,” taking a break from their routines to abide in Christ, identifying distractions that pull them away from growing closer to Him, and renewing us in the steadfast love of God fully accomplished by Jesus resulting in us blessing the Lord and others.

These days we could all use a RETREAT, couldn’t we? With the current polarizing political climate upon us, devastations from recent weather events, war tensions abroad, and even possible threats of e. coli on our next quarter pounder with cheese, “RETREAT” becomes both a desired action and destination. Jesus tells us that he is our RETREAT when He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

When we feel like retreating, longing to flee from the things that seem unbearable, discouraging, and uncertain, Jesus calls us to “come”/flee to Him and He will be our destination for rest and renewal. How far away do we need to go to find RETREAT? It’s the distance between our knees to the floor. It’s the length of how far our heads can bow down. It’s in a moment of retreating to God in prayer and praise!

Read these words of the psalmist:

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…

The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!” (Psalms 103:2-5, 19-22)

God’s kingdom rules over all! When Jesus is our RETREAT, we find that he will grant us rest, reflection, even recreation, that grows towards renewal in the blessings of God that move us to bless the Lord and others. Let us abide in His love and grace together and encourage one another in the hope we have at all times through the gospel of Jesus Christ! To Him be glory forever.

Together in His grip (John 10:27-29),

Jonah Martinez
Director of Student Ministries