Friday, June 6

By David Brock, presiding evangelist

Be mindful of the changing of life’s seasons, of the passage from the springtime of childhood and youth to the winter years of life. Embrace the blessing of your many differences. Be tender and caring. Be reminded once again that the gifts of all are necessary in order that divine purposes may be accomplished.

Doctrine and Covenants 161:4b

Walking in a grove of ancient cedars or beneath the canopy of redwood giants, one enters the enveloping embrace of one of nature’s great sanctuaries. In those spaces lies a stable environment of air, soil, and water. There is plant growth, food, and shelter that many creatures call home.

Every community needs a “grove of elders,” whose presence, like those ancient trees, grants us hope for a healthy community. Evangelists, I believe, are often the “old souls” or the “sages” who provide a canopy above and roots beneath. Thus, a faith community is a place of protection, growth, and giving. (Note: chronological age is not the focus!)

Evangelists do not stand alone. The calling of these ministers of pastoral presence and living sanctuary is to care for the soul of each person through the stages of his or her development. Evangelists play an essential role in bringing into being an environment where children, youth, and adults can “grow up in Christ.” Some also are called to care for the soul of the congregation. Others care for the soul of the more-than-human community.

Prayer for Peace Creator of the forest sentinels and the foundational roots of Christ’s community, help us plant and grow Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Honoring God’s Call to Others Reflect on God’s call in your life. Quietly reflect on the moments when you have experienced God’s presence and invitation to expand your gifts. Write in your journal or quietly reflect on images and insights that come. When have you experienced God through the calling and gifts of others? How do your gifts connect with the call of God you notice in your family, friends, congregation, or community?

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will reflect on my evangelist blessing of the past, or consider having one soon.