Kindred in Christ,

One of my favorite theologians and artists is He Qi. From Mainland China, he is a professor at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. His art is known to be a mix of Chinese folk art with modern art styles depicting Biblical stories in a new light. Above, his piece, Elijah and the Ravens, is a portrait of Elijah being sustained with food from God through the ravens he encountered in the wilderness (1 Kings 17).

When asked why Elijah had a face of two tones, and two eyes looking in seemingly different directions, Qi responded, “The Hebrew prophets often had “double vision.” One eye to see and call out the injustice of the present, and another eye toward the future God was calling the people toward.”

As we continue in our series, Running into the Future, we will explore what it means to rely on God to continue to sustain us, as well as give us “double vision” for the journey ahead. This Sunday, we will also welcome two new members to our congregation, Clara Too and Clara Mariño, which makes 11 new members this year! May we continue to gather and share vision with new people as we move forward together.

Alongside you,

Rev. Paul Ortiz