Living Faithfully in the In-Between
As we enter June, our ministry finds itself in an “in-between” season. Pastor Nathan has begun his sabbatical—a time of rest, renewal, and trust. In these past weeks, we’ve already felt the shift: different rhythms, familiar faces stepping into new roles, and the quiet continuation of ministry life.
Yet what has also become clear is this: God’s work among us has not paused during the “in-between” of Jesus’ first and second comings!
Recently, Julie and I had a chance to wait for the sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui. We were waiting in the cold, before dawn, surrounded by darkness and quiet anticipation. And then slowly, almost imperceptibly, the light began to appear. It is an experience of in-between waiting. Not all at once. Not dramatically. But steadily.
And in that moment in the in-between—between night and day—we were reminded that the sunrise was never in question. It was already on its way, and it is not in our control to rush it.
In many ways, we are living in a similar kind of waiting.
Around us, the world holds moments of tension and fragile calm. There is a sense that things are not yet settled, not yet whole. And as Christians, we recognize this pattern deeply.
We live between Christ’s first coming and His promised return.
Salvation has begun, yet restoration is not complete.
The kingdom of God is here, yet not fully realized.
As Paul writes, creation itself is “groaning” as it waits in hope (Romans 8:22–23). And we, too, are a waiting people—not passively, but faithfully.
So what does it look like to live well in the in-between?
It looks like:
- Trusting God even when the path is not fully clear
- Remaining steady when nothing dramatic seems to be happening
- Serving quietly without needing recognition
- Holding hope without immediate resolution
In this coming week, the invitation may be simple:
not to rush past this season, but to be present in it.
To notice where God is already at work.
To say yes to small opportunities to love and serve.
To pray for Pastor Nathan’s renewal, while also asking how God might be growing each of us in his absence.
Even in this in-between season, our ministry continues to move forward with quiet faithfulness. As summer begins, we are grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with college students returning from their campuses—each bringing new experiences, questions, and testimonies of God’s work in their lives. This season opens a unique door for us to welcome, listen, encourage, and walk alongside them as they transition back home. Alongside this, we remain actively engaged in serving our broader community, trusting that even the small, consistent acts of presence and care are ways God continues His work among us.
Because the truth is, the in-between is not empty space.
It is where faith is formed.
Where hope is refined.
Where love becomes visible.
And just like the sunrise we waited for, the light is already on its way.
Also, please continue to pray for the nations of Iran and Israel/Gaza and Ukraine/Russia and Sudan. Here is a suggested list of prayers if you are at a loss for words in how to pray: https://send.org/story/hh_pray_for_ukraine. And https://worldrelief.org/blog-prayer-for-israel-and-gaza/ And here are other prayers for peace in general: https://worldrelief.org/prayers-for-peace-in-the-world/ Thank you for kneeling on behalf of the people of Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Gaza and Lebanon, and Sudan, and Iran and taking a stand (or a knee in prayer) against the forces of darkness in this present age.
Further announcements can be found in the weekly spotlight. And other church wide announcements can be found in our weekly bulletin.
For Prayers:
1. From Bishop J.C. Ryle – “To be prayerless is to be Christless, Godless, and in the high road to destruction…It will always be found that when prayers are few, grace, strength, peace, and hope are small.” Please join our Wednesday night prayer meeting (7:45 – 9:00 pm) even if you can’t participate the whole time.
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
2. We’d be glad to pray for you. If you need prayer, you can submit your prayer request via the following link: https://www.cbcgl.org/pray/