Design Team Update
After touring several properties over the past few weeks, the Design Team has entered active negotiations on a potential new home for Tapestry Church. We hope to report some good news very soon. Thus far, we’ve been trying to find a new, temporary space that will serve as both office, meeting, and worship space. Once we have an agreement in place, we will renew our commitment to finding land on which to build our permanent home. We thank you for your ongoing prayers and patience throughout this process.
The Mid-Week Update
Several years ago, through a partnership with Global Ministries and Bethany Fellows, I was able to visit South Africa. The trip will forever be etched into my memory – the magnificent natural scenery, the massive disparity between the rich and the poor, the lingering effects of apartheid and racial injustice. Words cannot describe what it’s like to stand in Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island or tour the District Six Museum.
One of the other memories I cannot shake was hearing a local pastor describe his work in post-apartheid South Africa. He said that, even now, their country was like a small house with a large elephant inside of it. The elephant certainly didn’t come in any time recently – the windows and doors were far too small. No, the elephant was brought in when it was small and innocent, when people could make excuses and look the other way. But then it was allowed to grow into a behemoth. What’s more is that there is only one way to get it out. It is going to be painful and destructive, yet it is absolutely necessary.
I thought of this metaphor over the past few weeks in our country. We, too, have an elephant in our house. Many have noticed it growing larger and larger throughout the years and have been telling us to get it out before it was too late. Yet, we didn’t heed their warnings. Now, the elephant is so large that no one can pretend it isn’t there. The murder of George Floyd has sent shockwaves through the nation, and the subsequent protests have forced us to have a different kind of conversation. America’s elephant will also be painful to remove but remove it we must. Part of the task that lies before us is figuring out the best way to remove it. Yet, the first action is admitting how and why we allowed it inside in the first place. That confession and repentance must undergird any action we hope to take – individually and collectively.
Tapestry Church is committed to being an anti-racist/pro-reconciling church. Church leadership is in active conversations about the ways that we can help facilitate change – in our own hearts, in our communities, and beyond. We are not looking for a quick fix, but rather a thoughtful, intentional process that honestly should’ve happened long ago. In the weeks to come, we will share those details with you. For now, keep listening and learning. Do not look away.
We still have much to learn - and unlearn.
Blessings,
Cory
Bible Study
The Christian Education Team is offering another Bible study opportunity. We will be meeting via Zoom every Thursday in June from 8 - 8:30 pm. Different people will share scripture each week. Please join us for this time of sharing and growing. Click here for the meeting link.
Donations for The Refuge
The Refuge is continuing to see lots of cars in their drive-through food pantry line during these difficult times. Tapestry Church has a plan to help. We must emphasize, however, that we want no one to put themselves at risk or compromise their own food supply. If you are willing & able to help, we will be collecting Peanut Butter, Canned Fruit, Boxed Macaroni & Cheese, & Peanut Butter Crackers. If you have these items to donate or have questions, contact Brenda Rohl (317 847-3824) and we will arrange a “porch pick up” and get your items to The Refuge.
A Few Reminders
Next week John and Cory will both be on vacation. Please contact Shannon Next week both Cory and John Kixmiller will be on vacation. Please contact Shannon if you have any ministerial needs.
- We are posting weekly devotional videos, on our church Facebook page, every Wednesday at 10:00 am.
- We continue to provide a full worship service each week on Sundays at 10 am. You can join us via Facebook or YouTube.
- The church office is closed, and our staff is working remotely. Should you need access to the office, please make arrangements with one of the pastors. We can all be reached via email or cell phone.
- You can continue to give online through this link or you can mail your tithes and offerings to the church office (2801 Fairview Place, Suite M, Greenwood, IN 46142). The work of the church is ongoing, and we are always grateful for your sustained generosity.
Your Tapestry Ministerial Team