For almost two years, we’ve been searching for a name for the new space on the front lawn. During construction, as the space was taking shape, we asked for name suggestions. While we had dozens of submissions, none of them seemed like the right fit for the addition.
As we began to use and embrace the new space, living into how we would use it and be shaped by this multi-purpose community room, we asked once again for suggestions, and while there were several great ideas, none landed as the perfect name.
In a group text among staff a few weeks ago, Cara Hasselbeck dropped an idea: “What about The Point?” Immediately, I thought, “Yes! Perfect!” The Point encompasses who we are, why we do what we do, and who we are called to be!
The towering peak and prominent cross are architecturally compelling and offer a point of curiosity and invitation to the community. They are the visual entry point for most of the people who come to our campus for worship, learning, serving, and a host of other events and encounters. We fill the room most days of the week with Bible and book studies, Jr High Sunday mornings, quilters, Yarn Benders, and other Lord of Life activities, not to mention Sunday morning worship for Vida Eterna Iglesia Luthera (VEIL), 12-Step meetings, area clergy gatherings, and a whole host of other congregational and community events. This vibrant space is a gathering point for us and so many other groups who encounter faith, hope, and love here.
In addition, if you haven’t noticed, the whole structure is a giant arrow pointing upward. The soaring steeple literally points to something beyond ourselves and the empty cross of Jesus reminds all that love is stronger than death. Sitting in the space, the towering glass keeps our eyes fixed on the world beyond our walls and the jagged design points us out into the community and world.
Sometimes, we ask ourselves, “What’s the point? Why are we striving to live and love like Jesus?” Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of Paul’s powerful and clarifying words in Romans as he tries to get to the point of his letter and summarize how the Spirit of God calls us live:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another…
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone…
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed [them]; if [they are] thirsty, give [them] something to drink…”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9-21 NIV
In 1943, during a speech about rebuilding the House of Commons following its destruction in the Blitz, Winston Churchill commented, "We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us." May our Lord of Life spaces continue to shape us as people of Christian faith, pointing us to Jesus, our neighbors, and beyond!
Longing to be shaped by God,
Pastor Lowell