Today’s letter comes from the desk of Rev. Andrew Spidahl (pastor at Embody Christ Fellowship)…

To the People of God at Central Park, Embody Fellowship, & Rose Park,

There’s a lot of symbolism in the bible. For example, any time scripture mentions water it’s a safe bet there’s a connection to baptism. Any time scripture mentions fire it’s a safe bet there’s a connection to the Holy Spirit. This symbolism isn’t limited to physical things, it also includes numbers. There are seven days of creation, seven churches listed in Revelation, and seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles, and Jacob even had twelve sons. Needless to say, biblical numbers are important.

Dear Rose Park,

A few weeks ago, I had breakfast at the Warm Friend on 8th street. Resthaven’s new director of Spiritual Care had reached out to local pastors hoping to get to know one another over breakfast; I love meeting new people and I love breakfast, so I replied right away. Growing up in Holland I have always had a small sense of awareness towards Resthaven and its’ many campuses, but I never knew the history.

Dear Rose Park,

Last Friday, I took my three-year-old daughter, Winnie, on a pastoral visit. After we dropped off Simon at school, went to church to get communion ready, and quickly stopped by the library to pick up some books we made our way to Resthaven Maplewoods on 32nd street. We signed the visitors book, said hi to the receptionist, and then wandered the halls until we found room 149.

Dear Rose Park,

I grew up playing competitive sports with my two older brothers. Throughout our formative childhood years we devoted time, energy, and resources towards soccer, swimming, and baseball. Our competitive spirit was in full force when we were able to play the game or endure the race with our teammates. That same spirit was not limited to merely the confines of an athletic event, even household games like ‘run horses run’ and euchre were made into a competition. I like that I’m competitive and it’s served me well throughout my life, however when it comes to the life of the church competition is rarely helpful.

Dear Rose Park,

Tomorrow morning at 9:30am I have my annual physical. I’m anticipating the various encouragements and reprimands I might receive from the doctor; my blood pressure is too this or my cholesterol is too that. I find myself joining that stereotypical population of men who dislike the doctor’s office, or even avoid it altogether when the time comes for a full lookover. I’m sure there are a whole host of reasons as to why this is, but at some point I wonder if it’s the discomfort of being told a truth you already know but wish you didn’t.

Dear Rose Park,

Some of you are a few weeks into a New Years’ Resolution. Perhaps for some of you that resolution has been to eat healthier and lose a few pesky pounds. For others that resolution might be to finish a project around the house or to finally clean out the garage. Still for others it might be to read one book a month or maybe to even read the bible more often.

Dear Rose Park,

Last week Saturday, Simon and I went to a prayer walk at Jefferson Elementary. My friend Tim Laird hosted the prayer walk and invited me to join. After going for a run with a friend, I quick showered woke up Simon, and loaded Rudy into the car in order to drive over to Jefferson on the south side of town. The whole prayer walk only took about fifteen minutes; we walked around the school and prayed for the students, teachers, administrators, and family and community members. It was a beautiful morning and something I’ll never forget.

Dear Rose Park,

It’s hard to believe another year has gone by. Another Christmas celebrated, another service of remembering those who have passed away and celebrating those who joined our church family, another year of decorations and family gatherings. Given this cyclical nature, it can be so tempting to jump on the hamster wheel, simply throw our lives into cruise control and go through the motions.

Dear Rose Park,

A few weeks ago I went to visit Jack and Carlene Hartman at Holland Hospital. Carlene was having some routine tests, but I thought I’d sit with Jack in the lobby to keep in company while he waited over three hours for the tests to occur. I’ve always enjoyed chatting with Jack; the Tuesday crew of guys call him an encyclopedia of knowledge, and they aren’t wrong. Even better, Jack deeply loves the Lord and deeply believes in the power of prayer.