Shining new light in the Swan Valley

I want to express my deep appreciation for the Pathfinder’s coverage of the article, “Bringing the church to the people,” from Nov. 25. In my time here in Seeley, I have had countless conversations with locals in bars, restaurants, coffee shops, etc., who have expressed similar sentiment about the pain that traditional types of churches have caused them, their families or others they love.

The perception a lot of folks carry is that church people are judgmental. Unfortunately, this has too often been true. Churches are meant to be gatherings of people who are honest about themselves, their need for love and belonging, and their desire to be part of the healing of the world. But sometimes, we end up being the places where those who feel morally superior shun and hurt others.

The other pastors and I have been praying for years for people’s hearts and lives in this area to be filled with the love of Christ – a hope-filled, healing and transformative love. I wonder if the Unaffiliated Lutheran Church in Condon is part of God’s answer to our prayers.

I fully support this amazing adventure. I am praying for this new light shining in the Swan Valley. What an amazing movement of the Holy Spirit!