Home, Earth, and the Good Shepherd
It is good to be home in Stamford after my trip to South Africa. As a "Third Culture" person, I live in that unique "space between" where I blend parts of my country of birth and my current home into something entirely new. In this space, home isn’t just a spot on a map; it is a sense of belonging found in the people and relationships that cross borders and boundaries.
This "between-ness" is a powerful lens for our life of faith. It mirrors the experience of being in the world but not of it—a dual citizenship where we are fully present in this life while living by the values of God’s kin-dom. Much like a Third Culture person who bridges different worlds, we are called to tend the beauty of our earthly home while working toward its restoration.
This Sunday, we explore that tension as we mark Earth Day. Following the way of Jesus of Nazareth, we have a prophetic call to face the "tragic gap": the reality of environmental struggle set against the biblical vision of a world recreated. To help us stand in that gap, the Church Calendar offers us Good Shepherd Sunday, with one of the texts being Psalm 23. This beloved psalm is full of surprises; it doesn't avoid the dark, but guides us through it. It is a bold claim that God satisfies every need, leading us into "paths of righteousness"—well-worn ways of living that sustain right relationships with our community, our planet, and our Creator.
The Kin-dom in Our Midst: Arts and Community
At Talmadge Hill, we believe the arts are a vital expression of this kin-dom vision. Live music is more than just a performance; it is a "universal language" that wires our brains and hearts together, helping us bond and feel deeply as one community. It is a tangible way we "become the Easter that contradicts this world".
Please join us for these essential expressions of our communal life:
The KEYS Trio: Join us for a beautiful afternoon of classical music on Sunday, May 3, at 4 pm.
Spring Concert — Griffin House: Experience an evening of authentic, story-driven music on Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 pm.
Please Note: Tickets for Griffin House must be purchased in advance.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday,
Mooi Loop,
Dries