I’m keeping my post brief this week, simply because the words I’d love for you to read aren’t my own. You likely know that for the past few months, we’ve been working with Yonat Shimron, an accomplished journalist who writes for Faith & Leadership, an online magazine and learning resource through Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School. The folks at Faith & Leadership heard about this season in the life of our church, were captivated by the path that we are taking, and wanted to tell our story more broadly so as to encourage many other churches facing similar challenges with facilities and mission.
As a journalist, Yonat came to First on Fifth several times, interviewed a number of us extensively, and listened carefully to understand the depth and nuance of this pivotal moment we face. Her photographer colleague, Alex Maness, joined us last Wednesday and captured images to accompany Yonat’s story. Along with the capable work of their editors, they shared our story with the masses this week!
In a day and age where information is fast, stories are sensational, angles are exploited, and division is rampant, what a gift it is to be heard by those desiring to listen deeply for understanding! And what a gift we could share with each other – today and always!
You can find the link to the story here: https://www.faithandleadership.com/downtown-church-forges-new-path-when-it-decides-tear-down-two-decaying-buildings
Together in the work of Love,
Pastor Emily