As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

Below are reflections from Diane Becker, a recent Care Leadership Elder, a designer and a lover of people:

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

Below are reflections from Patrick Cisler who teaches Sunday School, together with his wife Elyse, reads almost as much as Pastor Brian and pursues service and mission with great passion:

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

Below are reflections from Kelly Slager, a Care Leadership Elder, new mom and faithful servant:

The Mark Challenge and the Lenten Journey have impacted each of us in different ways. Together we have waded into the depths of the Gospel according to Mark and encountered the incarnate Jesus, born of human flesh and living a life of mission and redemption, calling others to "come and follow." As we draw near to the cross and nearer to the resurrection, these are precious moments in which to reflect on the Spirit's work in each of our lives - molding, transforming and equippping us to join Jesus in his mission to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Scott Patchin holds many titles - husband, father of four, independent business person, leader of the "Pastoral Search Team," etc. - and chief among them is "child of God." Here, he reflects on his experience of listening and living into the Gospel, accompanied by the power of the Spirit. His words are honest and unedited. I pray that you will find his insights compelling and even encouraging as you continue your own journey in developing as a faithful follower of Jesus.

[Jesus] took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, 'Can you see anything?' And the man looked up and said, 'I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.'" (Mark 8:23-24)

Have you encountered something strange in the Gospel of Mark? Does anything make you raise an eyebrow? What makes you excited? What seems confusing?

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15, NRSV)