“In the beginning, when God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1a). My Old Testament predecessor loved to remind us that a more faithful rendering of the ancient Hebrew might be, In a beginning, a phrasing that leaves room for many beginnings, not just the one told by this particular people in this particular story. She would also point out, with no small amount of delight, that this is why the first page of Hebrew scripture is left blank. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny the scholarly accuracy of her claim, but she was quite sure of herself, and the theology has always made sense to me.

Part of our creation story is the chaos present in the beginning, the Holy Spirit brooding over the formless void, waiting for God to speak. And when God did speak, the creative breath went out, sorting through the chaos, bringing order, bringing life.

This past Tuesday, as our second workday on the new property was winding down, I found myself thinking about that story again. We knew there was something beautiful there, but it was hard to see. Towering pines, oaks, and palmettos rose above what could only be described as a jungle of chaos, grapevines, volunteer saplings of every sort, palm fronds, and briars. We had imagined what the land might become, but the sheer tangle of it all made that vision difficult to hold.

But on this second workday, the possibilities began to reveal themselves. Standing in the old tomato field, we can now see all the way to the marsh. The majestic oaks form an archway, an outdoor cathedral if you will. It is becoming clear that this land is holy ground, perhaps even a thin place, where generations of faithful may come to encounter the majesty of God’s creation and the presence of the Holy.

It’s important to remember though, we are still only in a beginning of this story. The clearing of vines and briars is just the first whisper of God unfolding word for us. There will be work ahead, and wonder too, as we follow the Spirit into this new creation.

That’s why February 15th matters. At our Annual Meeting this year, the Dreamers Committee will present their hopes, plans, dreams, and possibilities for the property. I want to invite you to be part of that moment. Come hear the vision. Come lend your voice. Come help us discern how this holy ground will serve generations yet to come. This is another beginning for us and we get to enter into it together. And so, as this new year unfolds, may we walk into this beginning with hope, courage, and the joy of discovering what God is creating in us and through us.

Joseph+

A Fresh Start for 2026
Beginning Monday, January 5

The new year is always a chance to begin anew. Many of us make resolutions, diet plans that fade after a few weeks, or promises to stop doom‑scrolling that vanish even sooner. Before long, this year looks just like the last, and the one before that.

For 2026, let’s set a different kind of goal and hold one another accountable. Beginning Monday, January 5, Saint Francis will offer two new opportunities for spiritual growth and grounding:

• 8:00 am Bible Study – continuing strong
• 10:00 am Morning Prayer – in the church sanctuary
• 11:00 am Bible Study – newly added in the Bay Creek Room

Start the year with prayer and study. Whatever chaos swirls in the world around us, we can choose to be rooted in God’s Word and presence. Together, we can be the antidote for what ails the world.

God's Peace,
Joseph+