09/14/2025
Hello CPC,
Pastor Barry here.
As you know, this has been a heavy season for our nation. No matter one’s political views, death, anger, pain, grief, and strife have surged to the forefront.
I have been praying about how to lead well in this moment, and, with counsel from others, have felt led to do the following.
1. Our Sunday service will look to God’s Word to answer many of the most pressing questions and emotions arising in our nation. Not the ones concerning which politician to back, but of how God would have us think, feel, and act when confronted with evil.
2. Monday night at 7 we will set up some couches on stage and have a roundtable discussion in order to continue the conversation in a more informal setting. I will moderate to provide pastoral support, and the panel will consist of men and women who all love Jesus deeply, occupy a variety of cultural spheres, and bring different insights to the discussion.
I believe these will serve our body well. And not only our body—if you have family and friends processing through these events, it would be worth inviting them.
For those to whom this sounds scary, and are nervous that this might become the “wrong kind” of political: lean in with hope. I will admit that even I have had some anxiety, but that has faded because I feel settled that the Lord is in this, and that the greater risk is to not talk about the hard things. This actually has the potential to become one of those special “family times” where the body comes together to love and care for one another. I anticipate that will be the case, that it will go well, and that it will contribute to encouragement, unity, and healing. Be in prayer for this.
For those who have other plans on Monday: don’t feel any pressure, and definitely don’t feel any judgment, but if you have the ability to reschedule your plans, I would suggest that coming Monday night might be worth your while.
Lastly, please be in prayer for me—I am asking God for a lot of wisdom in a short amount of time. He has always been faithful, he will continue to be faithful.
Thanks CPC!
Grace to you all,
Pastor Barry