On the radio there is a new song by Dana Maclean that says, “you can’t run when you’re holding suitcases.” (listen to the song here) This image really struck home and made us wonder. Are we all carrying too much? Sometimes we carry overwhelming debt; guilt over harsh words; uncertainty about the future; fear of failure; physical pain; illness…you add your burden. Do you worry if you are a good enough friend, spouse, son/daughter, parent, employee... Add in God to the mix and many of us carry uncertainty about what we believe.
This last weekend, our family moved. If you have ever moved, you know the stress of purging, organizing, and packing. You know the stress of asking people to help, because moving pianos and wrapping plates is not something people just look forward to doing. Yet, this past weekend we literally had people holding our suitcases. They concretely took our burden on for themselves. This is what we hope for NEXT.
NEXT will not only be a worship service, but it is a worship gathering. As we come together, we invite you to come just as you are and not try to be anything you are not. This is a burden you don’t have to carry. We hope to create a place where others will literally help you carry your burdens and dance, laugh and shout when you experience joy. As we sit down for a meal after worship and in small groups, we long to have a place where people can ask their deep questions about life, religion, and Jesus Christ. In this gathering, we know the Holy Spirit will meet us there to offer lessons for life, forgiveness, encouragement, and inspiration.
One of the lines in the suitcase song says, “there’s nothing holding you back now, just run.” NEXT let’s run together.
Curtis and Angie Olsen
