Letter from Amy: Oct 8, 2025

Dear Incarnation,

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Whew, what a retreat! I loved it all — Lauren’s thoughtful and prayerful guidance, the beautiful weather, the amazing food, the stunning labyrinth built by the kids, and especially all the opportunities for leisurely togetherness.

It’s hard to choose a favorite moment, but the talent show definitely ranks high on my list. I was so moved by the vulnerable sharing of talents, and for the reverberating cheers in response — from Theo’s confident French singing to Nicole’s 2Legit2Quit jump rope routine (yes) to the triple-threat Montague sisters to Danny’s wife-wooing euphonium to Trent’s roasting of my new bangs (I approved that joke, I promise!) to Asher's inspired piano playing and so, so much more.

It felt like a visible, tangible, feel-it-in-your-bones example of what it means to be “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” fellow saints who cheer us on as we run the race, endure the cross, scorn the shame, and look toward the coming joy. Nicole (of aforementioned jump rope acclaim) later sent me this lovely little article on Holy Laughter, highlighting this quote: “Humor, offered in love, can help build community life.” Yes and amen!

One of the clear takeaways from this year's retreat was that we have outgrown Camp Highroad! If you have other takeaways or feedback you'd like to share, you are welcome to email me or a member of our staff team. Thanks!

Every year, the fall retreat also marks the end of summer and the start of fall rhythms. Here’s what will look different this Sunday:

• We will begin a new fall sermon series on 1 Thessalonians. I’m excited to dig into this warm and pastoral letter together, written to a community experiencing great hardship and longing for Jesus’ return. Thessalonika was a multicultural, cosmopolitan, capital city much like our own. Acts 17 tells us that the early Thessalonian Christians were accused of “turning the world upside down”; they were “acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus.” I am looking forward to digging into their story and learning from their faithfulness this fall.
  

• Children’s programs will begin on Sunday! We will offer Mustard Seed Atrium (i.e., nursery) for ages 0-3 and Good Shepherd Atrium for ages 4-6 starting at 9am. Children ages 7+ will remain with their parents throughout the service (real-life worship with the church community is the best formation!), but we have additional plans in the works for this age group as well; stay tuned. Incarnation follows a Montessori-inspired faith formation program called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and you can learn more on the Children page of our website and/or by attending an Atrium orientation at 10am on Saturday, October 18!
  

• We will return to the Renewed Ancient liturgy from the 2019 Book of Common Prayer. (As a reminder, we follow a liturgy from the Kenyan church from Easter until the fall each year, then follow the Renewed Ancient liturgy from fall until Easter.) The language will sound a little different on Sunday — older, slightly more formal, and very beautiful — and it will take us a few weeks to feel comfortable in the new rhythm. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a fresh attentiveness to the words we pray together each week.

  
  

I missed those of you who couldn’t make it on the fall retreat, and I’m so looking forward to all being back together on Sunday. In the meantime, please reach out if there’s anything you’d like to talk or pray about.

Warmly,

Amy