4 Things in the Life...
June 24-28, 2025
What I have attended…
I have spent most of the last week attending the Whitworth Ministry Summit. It was great to reconnect with old friends like Drs. Terry McGonigal and Keith Beebe, meet new ones, and have some in-depth discussions about how the church can stay faithful in a culture that's hurtful to so many vulnerable people and shaping a national identity unlike anything I've seen before.
The speakers were the ever-inspiring Dr. Brenda Salter McNeal, Jer Swigart (Co-Founder & Executive Director of the amazing ministry, The Global Immersion Project), and Rev. David Swanson. I have been privileged to know each of these world-changing people personally and am always encouraged and challenged by their wisdom, eloquence, and passion for the Gospel. It has also been an honor to have both Jer and David speak at Immanuel, the church where I serve.
It is always such a joy to spend time on the grounds of my alma mater, Whitworth. I have had so many sacred moments there. As I write this, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude.
Of the three speakers, I will admit that David is who I would call a close friend and a denominational colleague. Nevertheless, each of the three presenters is a gift to the church and the world.
Here are a couple of pictures from the last session where Dr. Brenda, David, and Dr. Mindy Smith led us all in Holy Communion and commissioned us in the Gospel as we wrapped up our time.
I believe that all of life is sacramental, but moments like these carry something special within them.
Just so you know, each of these fine people have books out:
Jer - Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflicted World
Dr Brenda - Seriously, too many to list, but check her first work, Roadmap to Reconciliation: Moving Communities into Unity, Wholeness and Justice and then follow the trail of fantastic writing.
David has written two books, Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity and Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice
Lastly, David will be speaking at Immanuel Church tomorrow. Our service is at 9:00 a.m. in NW Spokane (5508 N. Alberta St.). If you can, visit us. It would be our honor to host you.
Who have I hung out with…
I was honored to have my good friend, Joel Sommers (a church planter in Portland, OR - Access Church), spend the week with me at the Summit, as well as with Robi and me. There’s nothing like spending concentrated time with a friend in our home. Joel is such a good soul. I can honestly say that my life is better because of the time we spent together.
What am I concerned about…
America
What am I listening to…
This week, I am listening to Neil Young. Admittedly, I did not listen to Neil Young growing up. I was a committed R&B/Funk aficionado, so he never made it into my listening canon; however, I have grown to love his haunting voice, penetrating lyrics, and commitment to making a difference in the world (Google his activism).
Here is his biggest hit…Heart of Gold
Here is maybe my favorite tune of his…Old Man
Let me know what you think of his sound.
Hope you're soaking up the summer sun! Make sure to get outside. For me, it's by far the best time of year in Spokane.
Be Peace, my friends!
Rob
I think I am gonna feature Tom Waits next week.
I had a good time to brother!
didn’t know you sent this every week, it’s cool.