At Salem Leadership Foundation we connect, resource and mobilize networks of neighbors, churches and non-profits for the flourishing of everyone in our community. By engaging in this work, we believe that Salem/Keizer will become the healthiest community in all of Oregon, truly a city of Shalom (peace, well-being).
This all begins with connection. On a personal level, it has been a joy to watch my children connect with their coaches and teammates over the summer as they prepare for Fall sports. I am so grateful for the many incredible coaches, teachers, staff, and administrators in our community. Join me in praying for them – it is often connection with a coach or a teacher that brings hope to a hurting student.
This summer, the SLF staff team has been reflecting on a few parables of Jesus. The parable of the mustard seed in Mark 4:30-32 is a short, but beautiful parable about connection:
“And He (Jesus) was saying, ‘How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is the smallest of all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants, and forms large branches, with the result that the birds of the sky can nest under its shade.’”
There are two things I notice in this parable: the size of the mustard seed, and the birds who find shade. The mustard seed is the “smallest of all the seeds.” Jesus often called attention to seemingly insignificant (or small) things, acts or people in his parables. I believe Jesus is telling us we will experience God’s grace, mercy and welcome in the forms we don’t expect, but in the ways we most need. Be on the lookout for the surprising generosity of Jesus!
The “birds of the sky” who nest in the branches are widely interpreted as the vulnerable and marginalized members of the community. They find shade, rest, and connection in the mustard plant. What a powerful image of people finding relief and place to belong together.
Everything at SLF starts with connection. This often happens for people and organizations at a Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers luncheon, a Neighborhood Partnership Team meeting, or a gathering of local non-profit leaders. Connection leads to Resources and results in Mobilization.
As we move into Fall, my encouragement is to connect with people in your networks, pray for and support organizations building connection in our community, and never underestimate small acts of kindness or providing “shade” for those who need it.
For the Shalom of the City,
Kyle Dickinson
Executive Director
Connecting at CaN
Valerie Geer, Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers Director, SLF
Anybody out there collect things? Coins, vinyl records, or maybe sneakers?
I’m not much of a collector myself—although I do have four owl figurines and a den with owl wallpaper. That probably doesn’t count…right?
But I do love kinds of things, especially when they’re gathered together in one place.
I love watching the American Kennel Club Dog Show just to see the incredible variety. Did you know there are 205 recognized breeds? From the Afghan Hound with its long, silky coat, to the tiny Russian Toy with its delicate frame, it’s remarkable to consider the differences that exist within a single species.
Or think about the simple joy of walking into a Baskin-Robbins and seeing 31 flavors lined up before you. Which one will you choose? Today I’d go for a double scoop: orange sherbet and vanilla. There is something delightfully satisfying about seeing all those contrasting colors, textures, and flavors displayed side by side.
There’s something about unity in our differences that brings my heart joy.
It’s deeply connected to how our Creator made this beautiful earth, and to our belonging in the Body of Christ.
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The Churches as Neighborhood Centers network gathers Christians from various churches who share a common love for Jesus and neighbor. Are we different? Absolutely. Yet we’re unified. We belong to Christ, and because of Him, we belong to one another. There is so much freedom in that. There is so much joy in that. Our invitation this year in the CaN Centers network is to live in the unity of the Spirit as we love our neighbors and seek the shalom of our city. It’s an invitation to remember Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:4–6: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” May that unity continue to shape us as we love our neighbors together. And may our life together become a witness to the One who makes us one. |
Valerie Geer
CaN Centers Director, SLF