Sabbatical Funding: A One Time Request

In August at our Missio Mesa Sending Sunday gathering, we discussed one way we plan to love and empower leaders at Missio Dei Communities is with the gift of rest, by arranging sabbaticals every 7 years for full time ministers within Missio Dei Communities. We announced that we’d be starting by providing one for Kevin in 2025, and would get you more information if you’d like to help us raise the funds for that time away from regular rhythms of work..

If you want to take part in funding this gift for the Platts, you can access that via the giving portal on our Church center web page or app. On the giving page, when selecting the congregation dropdown, please click “Mesa Sabbaticals”.  (Or Just Click Here)

We plan to keep the giving platform open for the Platt’s sabbatical through the middle of December. That way they know what funds they will have to work with and can plan accordingly. 

Thank you for your generosity to the Missio family and all networks of people that we have been sent to. 

Missio Mesa, you are loved!

Mike Zins

(on behalf of Missio’s Leadership Teams)

Some More Details:

Kevin and the Platt family will be having their first sabbatical from May - July 2025. 

He will still receive a salary from Missio Mesa during this time, but in order to retreat, rest, reflect, renew before re-engaging back with the Missio family, there are additional expenses that will be incurred by their family in order to do this well. Instead of having this be a burden, we are asking people to consider being a part of this gift of rest by donating to the Platts for the Sabbatical. In the future Missio Dei Communities will be allocating a small portion of their budget for future sabbatical needs. 

Our hope and prayer is this also serves as a reminder to us all - our identity is not based on our performance, what we do, but it is based on Jesus and what He has done on our behalf. May we continue to rest in confidence in that, and then continue being formed by God, together, for the sake of others out of the rest and love He has given us and by the power of His Spirit! 

BLESS Rhythms: Listening to Others

It’s as we listen to God, that we find ourselves with the margin and capacity to extend that same grace to others. When we listen to our extended spiritual family and neighbors, we learn their joys, their struggles, and their dreams. We hear what is making them sad, frustrated, and hopeful. We start to understand where God might already be at work in their lives. And we can affirm that alongside them. If we slow down, share space, and pay attention, we will continue to grow together as a network of disciples.

Remember: Listening isn’t just about waiting for a chance to share the gospel—it’s about seeing people the way Jesus sees them and giving them space to be seen and heard- a space to be human.

I’m going to encourage us to listen with two things- neither of which is the obvious- your ears. 

1)  Listen with Curiosity. If you don’t care about the answer, don’t ask the question. 

2) Listen with Empathy.  The cynicism and critique of our culture has seeped not only into our hearts, but our ears. Highly recommend you connect with Brittany Johnson for some best practices to actively listen with empathy!

I can’t encourage you enough, to be curious, empathetic, and genuine. In listening to others you are not a grand inquisitor or interrogator.  You are a friend. A fellow pilgrim and listening to others on the is an incredible way to show love to others on the path.

When we started Missio in Mesa we started with Listening.

We learned the first posture of the church is prayer and prayer necessarily involves listening to God which led us to want to be more mindful of how we listened to our neighbors. 

• Some friends started listening in downtown Mesa. 

• Some of us started listening to marginalized neighbors at paz.

• Others listened to the voices of homeless friends. 

• Some listened to elected officials

• Some listened to small business owners.

• Others listened to voices in their neighborhoods. 

• Others listened to the voices of those in downtown Mesa. 

What we get to experience today as a church is partly the result of people doing really good listening. What we will experience over the next 10 years will be a result of us doing the same today!

THIS WEEK

• what are some ways we can intentionally listen to our neighbors or coworkers this week?

• How can we practice listening as an act of love?"

• As you sit with someone in your MC, your spouse, your bf/gf, or even a neighbor this week try this, just ask them how you are as a listener. It’s a trusted relationship and your curiosity will open a door to help you grow.

• Practitioner Tip: Jesus was a master listener, but also asked good questions. So as you ask good questions in conversations, you got to listen not just think about your next question.

• Anoother great recommendation is to not ask questions that you wouldn’t answer. Meaning, if they say “how about you” and you’d shut down, don’t ask them that question. 

BLESS Rhythms: Listening To God

Listening to God

If we want to follow Jesus, we have to listen to him. You heard that right- I don’t know any way to be a disciple of Jesus (or fully alive human) without hearing God’s voice and doing what he says.

If we want to be good listeners to others, we need to start by listening to God. You can’t pour out what you don’t have, right? And listening to God isn’t just about reading the Bible or praying with our requests—it’s about sitting in silence, being attentive to what God might be saying to us."

In the Gospel of Matthew, we’ve seen Jesus often retreat to quiet places to pray and listen to the Father. One of the most powerful examples is in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Right before His arrest, Jesus didn’t rush into action—He withdrew, spent time in prayer, and listened to the Father’s will. Even while knowing the storm that lie ahead, Jesus chose to stay present in the moment, listening, even though the answer He received was difficult. His willingness to listen shaped His actions and ultimately brought rescue to a groaning creation. We see him listening for the Fathers voice in the quiet, and in the storms, and we would do well to do the same.

When we carve out time to listen to God, it’s like tuning our hearts to the right frequency.

But how do we do that? What does listening to God actually look like in our daily lives? We want to give five different ways we can listen to God each tuning our hearts, minds, and bodies to continue in the kingdom current. We hope these are helpful for you as you continue to discern God’s voice and lead others to do the same.

• Scripture: "The Bible is the most direct way we hear from God. It’s His written Word, available to us anytime. When we read Scripture, we’re not just gaining knowledge; we’re opening ourselves to be shaped by God’s voice. Tom Ashbrook says, ‘Scripture is a doorway into the presence of God.’ It invites us into a conversation with Him. Think about Matthew 4:4, when Jesus says, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ The words we hear from God sustain us, just like food sustains our bodies." Remember, hearing God’s voice includes doing what it says… just look at that parable of the Sower.

• Prayer: Listening to God in prayer is more than just bringing a list of requests. It’s also about creating space for silence and stillness. Sometimes, we need to stop talking and simply sit in God’s presence. As Tom Ashbrook puts it, ‘Prayer is not just about asking; it’s about being.’ In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs us to 'go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.' In the quiet, we give God room to speak to our hearts. It’s not about being hidden, but it’s about nurturing a private life where God speaks and we listen. And we speak and God listens. It’s not about show, pagentry, and likes- it’s about being with Jesus and hearing what he has to say.

• Community: God often speaks through others. Think of Matthew 18:20, where Jesus says, ‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’ Yes, this verse is in context about church discipline, but it’s also about discernment. There’s a unique dimension to the people of God gathering and speaking into shared issues and concerns as they together listen to the Spirit. When we listen to trusted brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re often hearing God’s wisdom, encouragement, or even correction through their words. Ruth Haley Barton reminds us that ‘community helps us discern God’s voice together.’ This is why being part of a community matters—it helps us sharpen our listening skills- and is part of us reflecting the image of God back to our friends.

• Creation: We can listen to God through His creation. The Psalms are full of these references, but for our series we are sticking primarily with Matthew and as Matthew 6:26 reminds us, ‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.’ In the beauty and order of the natural world, we see God’s care and provision, and we’re reminded that He is speaking through everything He has made. Sometimes, a quiet walk in nature can help us hear what our busy minds are blocking out. One author says “Creation itself is a symphony of God’s voice, inviting us to listen and reflect.’ Slow down. “Touch Grass” as the kids say. Be in God’s creation as you listen to God’s voice.

• Missionally: Finally, we listen missionally—seeking to hear where God is already at work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. It’s about tuning our ears to the cries and needs around us and asking, ‘God, where are You moving? How can I join You in this work?’ This can open doors to conversations that lead to deeper relationships and opportunities to share the gospel and life. 

Next Steps

• Take fifteen minutes today and ask God “Where are you at work, and How can I join you in that?”

• Use your examen and reflect on God’s voice throughout your day. What have you noticed him saying? When were you distracted from hearing his voice? Be curious about that.

• Which of the five ways of listening to God comes more naturally to you? Which takes some work? Have this conversation within your DNA group, marriage, or MC.

• Trace “Listen” through the True Story. See how the act of hearing God’s voice and doing what he says shapes the ENTIRE Bible!

The Art of Listening: A Needed Rhythm

When we think about living on mission or being part of a missional community, our minds often race toward the actions we take or the messages we communicate. Don’t they?

But what if I told you that one of the most defining characteristics of a disciple of Jesus is not just what they say, but their ability to listen?

Jesus Is The Master Listener

When we picture Jesus, we often see Him as the one with all the answers. Yet, throughout the Gospels, He asked over 300 questions and directly answered only three. This statistic is startling! Why did Jesus prioritize questions over answers?

Listening wasn't a mere pastime for Him; it was central to His ministry. In today’s fast-paced world, however, listening has become somewhat of a lost art. With constant notifications, interruptions, and our tendency to think about our responses before fully engaging with others, genuine listening can feel like a challenge- but it’s one we should engage with. We can all grow in the rhythm of listening.

Why are we so bad at this?

Why have we become so poor at listening? What barriers stand in our way? As we discuss, it becomes clear that our distractions and cultural habits often prevent us from truly hearing one another. . Each buzz, ding, and pulsing light draws us out of the conversation we are in and distracts us from truly hearing the people in front of us.

Could the lack of listening be contributing to the rising feelings of isolation in our digitally connected world? Despite being more “connected” than ever, many people report feeling lonelier, with the demand for therapy rising as individuals seek someone—anyone—to listen to them. As we move further away from family and friends, our connections can falter, leaving many yearning for genuine engagement.

Discipleship is Listening

Jesus shows us a better way, one that enriches our lives and fosters deeper relationships within our spiritual communities and among our neighbors. This is why we’ve adopted LISTEN as one of our core rhythms as a community. We simply cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus and not listen to him. Jesus says in John 10 “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me…” you can stop reading here and just reflect on that verse if you want.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus encourages his disciples to listen and comprehend. For instance, after sharing the parable of the sower, He emphasizes, "Whoever has ears, let them hear" (Matthew 13:9). This calls us to a deeper understanding that goes beyond mere words and towards obedience, much like seeds planted in good soil.

Consider the moment of the Transfiguration, where God instructs the disciples, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5). It wasn't just about witnessing an incredible event; it was about listening and responding to Jesus in their daily lives.

In addition to being central to loving Jesus listening is also central to loving our neighbors. Think about it, what if listening were seen as the first act of loving our neighbor?

In another poignant moment in the gospel of Matthew, before Jesus healed Bartimaeus, He stopped to listen. “What do you want me to do?” He asked, demonstrating that listening precedes meaningful action (Matthew 20:29-34) as we are living for the sake of the world.

The Cost of Not Listening

Now, let’s consider the consequences of failing to listen. For this example we are going to mix it up and look at history: just four days into its maiden voyage, the Titanic sank after ignoring multiple iceberg warnings from other ships. The tragic result? Over 1,500 lives lost. This serves as a powerful reminder of what can happen when we neglect to listen—both in our spiritual lives and our relationships.

How many catastrophic moments in our own lives could be traced back to a failure to listen to God, our friends, or trusted community?

Need more examples? Trace the history of Israel throguh your old testament paying attention to when they listened to God and when they just did what they wanted?

Oh yeah, and the garden. Remember that story in Genesis 3? I think we get the point.

This Week

Now, let’s reflect on our own lives.

• Think of someone you know who is an exceptional listener. What qualities make them stand out? Their curiosity, intentionality, empathy, and ability to engage make a profound difference?

• What would it look like to learn from Jesus and how he lovingly listened to the woman at the well (John 4), the voice of the Father (Matthew 3), and the cries of those around him?

• How would your life and relationships transform if you became known as someone who truly listens? Embracing the art of listening could open doors to deeper connections, enrich your discipleship, and ultimately reflect the love of Christ in your community.

As we continue to grow, let’s commit to making listening a core rhythm of our discipleship, embodying the love and attention that Jesus exemplified throughout His ministry. In a world that desperately needs more connection, let’s be the ones who truly hear.

Over the next few posts we will look at practical and helpful ways to listen to God and others with the hopes that we together grow into a community who listens well as we are a blessing to the places we’ve been sent.

Sabbath… the most over resourced spiritual discipline in the West?

This past Sunday, I made this claim before we jumped into our passage from Matthew 12:1-14. 

“The Sabbath is the most over resourced spiritual discipline in the West.”

My hope was on Sunday was not to “add” to the already growing resource list but to re-orient our understanding of the Sabbath not around the practices but the person of Jesus. He is the Lord of the Sabbath! This means we have unbelievable freedom to explore what the practice of rest looks like in our lives.

However, my hope is that you don’t hear Missio saying: “You don’t need resources, you should just figure it out on your own.”

For someone who currently pays the bills creating resources for the Church, I do believe we need pathways to learn how to sabbath well. 

So in follow up from the teaching, here are four helpful resources for me when it comes to becoming a person who practices the sabbath well. 

-Charlie-

1. PRACTICING THE WAY SABBATH COURSE

This is a really helpful and simple resource on the sabbath. It contains teachings, concrete practices, and ways to engage with this BLESS rhythm. You could even consider using this course as a pathway for your MC, network or neighbors.

2. Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Bruggemann

There are a lot of great books out there on the sabbath. I personally think this one is one of the best. In this book, Bruggemann unpacks how the Sabbath is not just a helpful practice for exhausted people but an act of defiance and resistance. This didn’t make it into the sermon on Sunday, but here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

In our own contemporary context of the rat race of anxiety, the celebration of Sabbath is an act of both resistance and alternative. It is resistance because it is a visible insistence that our lives are not defined by the production and consumption of commodity goods… It is an alternative to the demanding, chattering, pervasive presence of advertising and its great liturgical claim of professional sports that devour all our ‘rest time’”. – Walter Bruggemann

3. Introduction, Sabbath, Abraham Heschel

The introduction to this book is worth the price of admission. It’s written by Dr. Heschel’s daughter who shares her family’s weekly sabbath rhythm as a Jewish family. Abraham Heschel was a brilliant writer, teacher, and activist who literally walked with Dr. King during the Selma to Montgomery March.  He’s the second guy to the right of Dr. King with the amazing hair and beard. 

4. This Day, Wendell Berry

Different than a book, this is a collection of poems by Wendell Berry. Each of these poems was written during Wendell Berry’s weekly sabbath walk in the woods of Kentucky. Here is my favorite poem from the book below. Don’t like to read? Listen to it here ready by Berry himself.

Whatever is foreseen in joy
Must be lived out from day to day.
Vision held open in the dark
By our ten thousand days of work.
Harvest will fill the barn; for that
The hand must ache, the face must sweat.
And yet no leaf or grain is filled
By work of ours; the field is tilled
And left to grace. That we may reap,
Great work is done while we’re asleep.

When we work well, a Sabbath mood
Rests on our day, and finds it good.

These can all be helpful pathways to practicing the Sabbath. But don’t overlook how brothers and sisters can help you imagine how the sabbath might look in your season and stage of life. 

Baptism

If someone you are discipling says “I wanna get baptized, what should I do?”

First celebrate…. Be excited. New life is springing up in someone’s heart! And we would love to walk alongside you and the new disciple wanting to be baptized.

Then…

1. Direct them here: this makes Missio aware so we can a start planning this day in the calendar, communicating, and coaching as you walk this person through their next step as a follower of Jesus

2. Decide who will be their guide for the first year after their baptism. Missio has someone commit to walking with every new disciple for a year to help with early formation. This disciple maker is someone who commits to walking with the newly baptized in the next year of their journey- often in the context of their MC and/or a parent.

3. Get a copy of the booklet we use to walk through the true story and the significance of what someone is choosing to be baptized into. If you’ve never used the tool I’d love to grab a coffee and walk you through it just let me know. This is six sessions working through the six acts of the story and some of the first steps in following Jesus

4. Who does the baptizing? Around Missio it’s usually the person / people walking with the new disciple. Other times Kevin or Mike (as a elders of the church) or most likely the person taking them through the process and actively discipling them will usually baptize them.

5. Have a question or need some clarity? Let’s talk! Hello@missiomesa.com

Reminder/ Refresher:

As a church Missio Dei Communities affirms both credo and pedo (believer and baby) baptisms as historic and orthodox expressions of baptism for the people of God. We do not believe or practice that baptism is necessary to receive the gift of salvation. But acknowledge faithful members of Jesus’ church have practiced baptism as covenant community participation for children prior to a confession of faith AND others as a sign of new birth for a new believer.

We will administer either rite as convictions guide those receiving.

If you have parents or believers who want to have the conversations- here’s a great next step.

Embrace the Small

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is likeyeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[b] of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Matthew 13.31-33

These two stories of Jesus paint a vivid picture of the kingdom that stands in stark contrast to what we often desire or even expect of God. We are conditioned by our culture to have a strong bias towards big and flashy. From our business plans to our sports teams to our discipleship we think that bigger means better.

Honestly, that’s not much different than the first disciples hearing the announcement of the kingdom of God from Jesus. They expected a big political overthrow, and they got a traveling preacher announcing good news, confronting religious systems, and offering free healthcare. (Loosely translated)

What often happens after disorientation (when Jesus doesn’t do what we expect) is often disappointment and dissatisfaction. I’ve watched as many disciples set out on a missional pathway, holding the lingering (American?) expectation that Jesus will owe them “big” as a result of their sacrifices. A bigger MC. A bigger network. A bigger platform. A bigger budget. Maybe not right away, but eventually.

The problem is, Jesus never made that promise. And that unmet expectation disorients and if not repented of can lead down the pathway of disappointment and dissatisfaction and possibly even disillusionment with Jesus himself.

Good news though, Jesus offers another way. It’s the kingdom reminder packed in this powerful set of stories that calls us to faithful participation in the kingdom even while we wait- trusting that God is using the seemingly small and insignificant towards his eternal purposes. Make no mistake- His kingdom is taking root, it will provide shade for the nations, and there will be a feast of abundance and covenantal care!

The mustard seed reminds us that God’s kingdom doesn’t rely on grand beginnings. It thrives in the small, unnoticed moments. If that’s true of God’s kingdom as a whole, I’d contend it’s also true of our participation in a kingdom way of life.

When you think about the way the Kingdom works, it grows through everyday acts of love, compassion, obedience, and faithfulness.  Small choices of beauty, truth, and justice that align with the kingdom are the stuff of faithful disciplemaking communities.

We will (not may) be tempted to think our small actions of kindness, love, or service don’t make much of a difference, but Jesus is saying the opposite. Over time, those small acts will transform lives and even change how things work in society. Remember: This isn’t just about me and God- it’s about the world being made new.

consider this a fresh invitation to not just endure the small, but embrace it. Learn to love it and live in it. Patiently trust that the wisdom and power of God are at work and he will accomplish his purposes!

Questions for Reflection From Sunday’s Equipping:

• How is Jesus inviting us to reimagine the kingdom in light of this story?

• Do you think it’s possible that you have a different expectation for the kingdom of God that may differ from Jesus’?

• Where are you tempted to think that size equals significance?

• What small beginnings have you resented in your life?

• What could it look like to embrace the small rather than just enduring it?

• Do you sense you are in a season of disappointment or trust? Listen for the words the Spirit wants to speak to you in that season.

• How could these stories help you reimagine faithfulness for your Missional Community?

One last quote for you:

As you do life, you will be tempted to orient your desires toward doing large things in famous ways as fast and as efficiently as you can. But take note. A crossroads waits for you. Jesus is that crossroads. Because almost anything in life that truly matters will require you to do small, mostly overlooked things, over a long period of time with him. …Desire greatness. But bend your definition of greatness to the one Jesus gives us.- Zach Eswine

Matthew and the Mission of God

We are just over halfway through our year in the gospel of Matthew so we thought it would be a great time to zoom back out and remind us why we are spending so much time in this telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As elders, MC leaders, and a teaching team we initiated spending 12-18 months in Matthew to better form us as a witnessing community.

We believe that this book is an essential component of any disciplemaking community who wants to continue to take up their their role in God’s story as they are sent together on God’s mission.

In Matthew’s gospel, we are doing just that, encountering Jesus as he continues God’s Mission. (Or the Missio Dei) We are seeing not only a historical narrative (events, characters, timelines) but a profoundly missional manifesto that we hope shapes the witness of our church in the valley for years to come. Oh yeah, we also hope it is changing your heart and life as you see Jesus in this way.

Looking Back

The genealogy that Matthew used to open up his gospel signifies Jesus’ place in the divine drama of redemption—a narrative that beckons us to recognize our role within it. A narrative that continues to today. It’s imperative for our missionary calling, wherever that may be, that we first see Jesus’ calling and vocation.

Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount but not only there, outlines a kingdom ethic that challenges the prevailing cultural currents of our time. In Matthew, discipleship is not passive observance, or information memorization, but active participation in the Way of Jesus. Disciples are not content to hear the words of Jesus, but are called to a way of life to live. We have seen, there is no gospel experience that is purely personal, but public life will be shaped in those who follow as part of the Jesus community.

Kingdom Come

The life, ministry, and community of Jesus are all understood by Matthew as God setting up his kingdom, establishing Jesus as the true King of creation, and shaping the missional witness of the church who would read of these mighty acts of God.

Go Now

The climax of Matthew’s gospel, the Great Commission, resonates with missional urgency as well. It compels believers to proclaim and embody the gospel of the kingdom, baptizing and teaching all nations. This commission transcends mere evangelism; it demands the integration of faith and action, cultivating communities that reflect the righteousness and compassion of God’s kingdom. As David Bosch reminds us, we can only understand what Matthew means by discipleship, if we look at the first 27 chapters of his gospel to see what he means.

In The East Valley As It Is In Heaven

We beleive Matthew’s narrative is a call to embody the values of God’s kingdom—justice, mercy, and reconciliation to name a few—in a world marred by brokenness, division, and pain. As we read this gospel we find ourselves invited perhaps again, or perhaps for the first time, to join in God’s redemptive mission, engaging with both individual hearts and societal structures, thereby living into the prayer Jesus gave us where his kingdom comes and his will is done, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The True Story of the World: A Missio Cohort

Missio…

Are you ready to see the world through a new lens? Do you have a desire to understand what sort of understanding of the Bible would lead a church like Missio to orient all of life around shared rhythms, practices, and love of the East Valle?

Then dive into Mike Goheen’s The True Story of the World with us in an engaging 8-week interactive cohort!

In this two month journey, we’ll explore the Bible’s captivating narrative that connects the dots between ancient biblical stories and our modern world. This is your chance to:

• See the Big Picture: Understand how the Bible’s grand narrative shapes our view of history and our role in it.

• Interactive Discussions: Engage in lively discussions that connect biblical themes to today’s issues.

• Practically: You will experience how the Bible’s story isn’t just a story, but the story that all our lives are shaped by. It’s like downloading a new operating system that all the apps of life can run on!

This cohort is designed for both new disciples and those who have been following Jesus for a while and want to continue learning. What does that mean? Whether you’re looking for new perspectives, deep dives or even fresh takes, you’ll find something here in this equipping cohort. Ben Ide is excited to create a space where meaningful conversations and new insights can flourish as we are formed by God, together, for the sake of others.

When: August 13th 6.30-8pm
Where: Mesa Hub
Sign Up By: August 12th

Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, explore, and grow together. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Last Call: Blue Parakeet

Join Us for an 8-Week Journey Through "The Blue Parakeet"

Hey everyone!

Are you at all curious about how the Bible speaks to us in today’s world? Join us as Kevin Platt leads a 8-week deep dive into Scott McKnight’s The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible. This is your chance to rethink traditional views and see Scripture in a fresh, dynamic way alongside others from Missio Dei Mesa.

Our plan is to explore McKnight’s ideas about the Bible as a living conversation with God rather than just a static set of rules. We will dialogue through his book, engage with each others questions, and by God’s grace, move towards a more faithful reading of the Bible.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Fresh Perspectives: Should we break away from old interpretations and discover new ways to read and understand Scripture?

• Storytelling & Community: Embrace the Bible’s narrative in a communal approach that is sure to resonate with you.

• Real-Life Implications : How do we work out timeless wisdom, truth, and perspectives to modern challenges and experiences.

Whether you’re new to the book or a returning reader, this cohort is designed for open discussion and shared learning. Connect with others who are eager to engage with the Bible in a meaningful and transformative way.

When: August 12 – September 24th (7.30-9pm)
Where: Platt House
Sign Up By: August 5th - September 24th

Don’t miss out on this chance to explore and grow with us. We can’t wait to see you Tuesday!

Psalm 69- Reading Plan

Opening Prayer

Blessed Lord,
you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning.
May we so hear them,
read, learn, and take them to heart,
that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word,
we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

Book of Common Prayer

Psalm 69

1 Save me, O God,
    for the waters have come up to my neck.
2 I sink in the miry depths,
    where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
    the floods engulf me.
3 I am worn out calling for help;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
    looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without reason
    outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
    those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
    what I did not steal.

5 You, God, know my folly;
    my guilt is not hidden from you.

6 Lord, the Lord Almighty,
    may those who hope in you
    not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
    may those who seek you
    not be put to shame because of me.
7 For I endure scorn for your sake,
    and shame covers my face.
8 I am a foreigner to my own family,
    a stranger to my own mother’s children;
9 for zeal for your house consumes me,
    and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
10 When I weep and fast,
    I must endure scorn;
11 when I put on sackcloth,
    people make sport of me.
12 Those who sit at the gate mock me,
    and I am the song of the drunkards.

13 But I pray to you, Lord,
    in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
    answer me with your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mire,
    do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
    from the deep waters.
15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
    or the depths swallow me up
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

16 Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;
    in your great mercy turn to me.
17 Do not hide your face from your servant;
    answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
18 Come near and rescue me;
    deliver me because of my foes.

19 You know how I am scorned,disgraced and shamed;
    all my enemies are before you.
20 Scorn has broken my heart
    and has left me helpless;
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
    for comforters, but I found none.
21 They put gall in my food
    and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

22 May the table set before them become a snare;
    may it become retribution and[b] a trap.
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
    and their backs be bent forever.
24 Pour out your wrath on them;
    let your fierce anger overtake them.
25 May their place be deserted;
    let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute those you wound
    and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
27 Charge them with crime upon crime;
    do not let them share in your salvation.
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life
    and not be listed with the righteous.

29 But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
    may your salvation, God, protect me.

30 I will praise God’s name in song
    and glorify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the Lord more than an ox,
    more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
32 The poor will see and be glad—
    you who seek God, may your hearts live!
33 The Lord hears the needy
    and does not despise his captive people.

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
    the seas and all that move in them,
35 for God will save Zion
    and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
36     the children of his servants will inherit it,
    and those who love his name will dwell there.

The 4 Questions

1. Who is God?
   What do you notice about God’s character in this text?  Are there things you are reminded of, discover for the first time, are unsure of, or unsettle you? Make note of each of them.

2. What has God done?
   What does God reveal about his actions in this text? Are they past, present, or promised for the future?

3. Who are we? 
   What does this text teach us about humans? How does God’s character and activity transform his people?  How is the identity of God’s people affirmed or given in this text?

4. What do we do?
   As you sit with the Spirit in this text how do you sense him leading you? Sometimes these are direct commands in the text and at others they are words the Spirit speaks to you. Maybe it’s repentance, or obedience, a conversation, or even further meditation. Jesus is inviting you to continue the journey with him- let him guide you.

Bonus Reflection

• How do you see this Psalm connecting to the crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew 27.37-48?

• How does walking with David in this Psalm help you connect with the death of Jesus in Matthew?

• How does it make you feel to consider both of these texts side by side?

Rest. Reflect. Worship.

We are scattering to embrace some different rhythms of rest, worship, and reflection the next two Sundays. These moments are a gift to create space but it’s up to you how you use them.

(Remember: Rest doesn’t always mean isolation that’s solitude.)

Here’s a few ideas…

• Take some time to fill out the questions we’ve given HERE.

• Invite someone newer to the Missio family over for a slowed down meal to hear their story and help them see how God is at work in their lives.

• Process through our reflection questions for the first half of the year and verbally talk through them with another member of your MC / Missio.

• Plan out your fall. What are the discipleship priorities in your life as you share life with our church?

• Stay immersed in Matthew with our reading guides. (Just scroll back from here to find them on our blog)

• Imagine your table at the end of these six months. Who do you hope is there? What small steps of invitation could you extend in this season to see that fruit in the next?

- Draw a map of your relationships and see how God might be at work to use you as a person sowing seeds of beauty, truth, and justice in your networks of influence.

Psalm 22: Calling Out In The Darkness

Psalm 22 was a gift on Sunday.

In our conversation we saw how each of us will experience pain, loss, darkness, and the seeming absence of God. We talked through the historical conversation of “dark nights of the soul” and “dark nights of the senses” but ultimately leaned in with Hope again at the reality of the gospel events and the reign of Jesus.

As we reflect on our time together don’t forget - In the midst of dark seasons, we will find ourselves lamenting, crying out in desperation and confusion. It's like being lost in a fog, unsure of which way to turn. But just as David's lament turns to praise in Psalm 22, we're reminded that even our deepest cries are heard by God. In our brokenness, we discover a glimpse of Jesus, who walked the path of suffering before us and offers us a way forward, not devoid of pain, but infused with the hope of resurrection and new life. I can’t tell you how long the darkness will last, but I can tell you it doesn’t win.

Looking back, we can see how David's experience foreshadows the suffering and triumph of Jesus Christ. Jesus, too, cried out on the cross, quoting the words of Psalm 22. In His darkest hour, He bore the weight of our sins and experienced the agony of separation from God, fulfilling the prophecy of David's psalm and paving the way for our redemption.

The events of the gospel offer a historical hope as the violent waves of circumstances batter us and leave our vision of God blurred.

If you are in a dark space as you read this, look back at the events of the gospel, look around at the community and ask for help, and look forward to the day when pain and loss are dealt their final death blow at the restoration.

Next Steps

• Cry out to God. He is not put off by your pain, anger, frustration, or point of view.

• Cry out with friends. There are multiple resources across Missio who aren’t looking to fix you, but will pray, lament, and walk with you in seasons of darkness.

• Remember, Dark Nights of the Soul don’t mean you’ve done something wrong, but seem to be part of the experience of following God and nurturing faith in the experience of Christians.

• The Arc of the story is from death to life. Continue to rehearse the story in its entirety even as the shadows close in.

• Make Psalm 22 a meditation text for you. Revisit it often. Let that prayer give shape to your own.

Simple Review Tools

SLOW DOWN

We are entering the season of our leadership calendar where we often strategically withdrawal from some of the regular rhythms of our training, equipping, coaching and create some unhurried space to process, pray, discern, and ultimately continue on in the journey of following Jesus. All across our church we purposefully slow down shared rhythms to be able to pay attention to what is going on in and around us.

THE PROCESS

The process of review often brings a season of unsettled feelings. When we slow down we often sense the disappointment , recognize relationships that have faded, but also can, perhaps, see a little more clearly the beauty of what Jesus is doing in small, everyday moments all across your networks and neighborhoods. We want to pay attention, grieve what we have to, cultivate hope where we are able, and place ourselves again in the rhythms of God’s grace and the shared life that nurture that faith.

Good news

As you navigate these waters with patience and hope, remember that the gospel is still true, Jesus is still Lord, he is still accomplishing his purposes. God does not work on our timeline, but he is absolutely at work. This realization is not always comfortable, but he is absolutely still on the throne!

This is also a season where creativity often kicks in. Embrace that as well. How can you continue to share life, mission, and formation with this community that God is knitting together for your good and his glory?   You are dearly loved and deeply valued.  

-Kevin  

Psalm 110- Reading Plan

Opening Prayer

Blessed Lord,
you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning.
May we so hear them,
read, learn, and take them to heart,
that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word,
we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

Book of Common Prayer

Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1–7 (NIV): The Lord says to my lord:

“Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies

a footstool for your feet.”

2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying,

“Rule in the midst of your enemies!”

3 Your troops will be willing

on your day of battle.

Arrayed in holy splendor,

your young men will come to you

like dew from the morning’s womb. 

4 The Lord has sworn

and will not change his mind:

“You are a priest forever,

in the order of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord is at your right hand;

he will crush kings on the day of his wrath.

6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead

and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.

7 He will drink from a brook along the way,

and so he will lift his head high.

The 4 Questions

1. Who is God?
   What do you notice about God’s character in this text?  Are there things you are reminded of, discover for the first time, are unsure of, or unsettle you? Make note of each of them.

2. What has God done?
   What does God reveal about his actions in this text? Are they past, present, or promised for the future?

3. Who are we? 
   What does this text teach us about humans? How does God’s character and activity transform his people?  How is the identity of God’s people affirmed or given in this text?

4. What do we do?
   As you sit with the Spirit in this text how do you sense him leading you? Sometimes these are direct commands in the text and at others they are words the Spirit speaks to you. Maybe it’s repentance, or obedience, a conversation, or even further meditation. Jesus is inviting you to continue the journey with him- let him guide you.

Bonus Reflection

• How do you see this Psalm connecting to the crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew 22.41-45?

• How does understanding this Psalm give color to the experience of Jesus in Matthew 22?

How Should We Live? (Psalm 2)

How do we Live? We’ve sat with Jesus in Psalm 2. Learned some background, explored God’s character, and even saw some uncomfortable and liberating truths about his justice. But what does that mean for us and the way we live today? That’s what the fourth question is all about.

Here are some of the answers we came up with yesterday at our gathering.

Jesus is Lord.

Arrange your life accordingly.  Who or what we see as central and worthy of service will dictate our calendars, our friendships, and our budget decisions. Don’t follow a lesser god towards destruction, but lean more fully into the good reign of Jesus and leverage your lives to love more fiercely as he leads you.

Live Out the Baptismal Identity:

When we embrace our role in God’s story as those who bow our knees to king Jesus we find our heads lifted to a reality we aren’t just subjects we are sons and daughters. And When we embrace our given identity as God’s beloved children, it transforms us. For John from our first story, when he embraced this identity it gave him the inner strength to offer forgiveness to his dad, extend grace to his family, and a new pathway of disrupting family patterns with redemptive ones.

Participating in God’s Mission:

Submission to the king is expressed in service. We’re all called to participate in God’s mission. When we align our hearts and our lives under His kingdom agenda it will effect our life choice.   Small acts done with great love can change the world. It can easily start with where am I already placed and what’s already in my hands, great- now how do I serve with that? .”

Prayer and Dependence on the Spirit in Community

Lastly, Remember, we can’t do this on our own. Prayer and the Holy Spirit empower us. As we’ve watched Jesus walk out of this water in the Jordan we’ve seen him deeply dependent on the power of the Spirit.

Summer in the Psalms (Psalm 22 Reading Guide)

Opening Prayer

God I believe you want to meet with me in this Psalm. I’m making space to be aware of your presence and ask that you speak to me today. Would you give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  Would you form in me a heart of love for you, for my community, and for my neighbor. Help me see how this story fits in your unfolding True Story. Would you expose my idols, peel my fingers from my self-reliance, and stir up my affections for you and your kingdom. Would I not hide from the places where my own story reflects the Psalmists and would I embrace your presence and your voice as I sit with you in stillness. Direct my steps according to your word and align my wandering heart with yours so that I may abide in your love and endure in my calling.

In the Name of Jesus and the power of the Spirit. Amen.

Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?

My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.

In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.

“He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.

From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me.

My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they piercemy hands and my feet.

All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.

Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.

I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.

You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.

The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever!

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORDand he rules over the nations.

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.

Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.

They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

The 4 Questions

1. Who is God?
   What do you notice about God’s character in this text?  Are there things you are reminded of, discover for the first time, are unsure of, or unsettle you? Make note of each of them.

2. What has God done?
   What does God reveal about his actions in this text? Are they past, present, or promised for the future?

3. Who are we? 
   What does this text teach us about humans? How does God’s character and activity transform his people?  How is the identity of God’s people affirmed or given in this text?

4. What do we do?
   As you sit with the Spirit in this text how do you sense him leading you? Sometimes these are direct commands in the text and at others they are words the Spirit speaks to you. Maybe it’s repentance, or obedience, a conversation, or even further meditation. Jesus is inviting you to continue the journey with him- let him guide you.

Bonus Reflection

How do you see this Psalm connecting to the crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew 27?

July Reading Plan: Psalm 2

Opening Prayer

God give me wisdom knowledge and understanding. Let any knowledge I gain serve to help me love you and others more and not puff me up. Help me see something new about you I've never seen before. God correct any lies I believe about you or anything I misunderstand. Direct my steps according to your word and align my wandering heart with yours.

Psalm 2

Psalm 2:1–12 (NIV)

1 Why do the nations conspire 

and the peoples plot in vain? 

2 The kings of the earth rise up 

and the rulers band together 

against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 

3 “Let us break their chains 

and throw off their shackles.” 

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; 

the Lord scoffs at them. 

5 He rebukes them in his anger 

and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 

6 “I have installed my king 

on Zion, my holy mountain.” 

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: 

He said to me, “You are my son; 

today I have become your father. 

8 Ask me, 

and I will make the nations your inheritance, 

the ends of the earth your possession. 

9 You will break them with a rod of iron; 

you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; 

be warned, you rulers of the earth. 

11 Serve the Lord with fear 

and celebrate his rule with trembling. 

12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry 

and your way will lead to your destruction, 

for his wrath can flare up in a moment. 

Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

The 4 Questions

1. Who is God?

   What do you notice about God’s character in this text? Are there things you are reminded of, discover for the first time, are unsure of, or unsettle you? Make note of each of them.

2. What has God done?

   What does God reveal about his actions in this text? Are they past, present, or promised for the future?

3. Who are we?

   What does this text teach us about humans? How does God’s character and activity transform his people? How is the identity of God’s people affirmed or given in this text?

4. What do we do?

   As you sit with the Spirit in this text how do you sense him leading you? Sometimes these are direct commands in the text and at others they are words the Spirit speaks to you. Maybe it’s repentance, or obedience, a conversation, or even further meditation. Jesus is inviting you to continue the journey with him- let him guide you.

July Reading Plan: Preview

THE PLAN

This July, we will be exploring some of the Psalms that underlie the gospel narrative in the book of Matthew. Each Psalm we examine can be found within Matthew's gospel account. NT Wright reminds us that this should not surprise us, as...

"...the story the Psalms tell is the story Jesus came to complete. It is the story of the creator God taking his power and reigning, ruling on earth as in heaven, delighting the whole creation by sorting out its messes and muddles, its injuries and injustices, once and for all.” — NT Wright

Take a moment to slow down and immerse yourself in the Scriptures that were meaningful to Jesus and Matthew. These are the songs and stories that shaped the life and ministry of Jesus and his band of disciples. Don’t let their significance be lost on you as you spend time with Jesus through these ancient Psalms.

THE PATTERN

The format for these reading guides will be to begin with a prayer of invitation, read the Psalms, and then reflect on four questions that often lead us toward the heart of God in a text, guiding us in how to respond to that revelation in loving obedience.

Our prayer for the Missio family is that we can journey together through these texts, allowing them to lead us into a deeper enjoyment of God, active participation in his community, and faithful witness in the places and spaces where we are sent!

The Psalms

Week 1: Psalm 2

Week 2: Psalm 110

Week 3: Psalm 22

Week 4: Psalm 69

The Questions

• Who is God?

• What has God done?

• Who are we?

• What do we do?

The Additional Reading and Watching

• Read The Case for The Psalms

• Buy Psalms Only Portion of Scripture for Reflection

• Watch The Psalms (Bible Project)

On Earth As It Is In Heaven: Life with God Today (pt2)

In part 1, we concluded that Jesus invites us to pray in such a way that anticipates the union of heaven and earth. Prayer gives us eyes to see reality as it truly is and will be forever- a world permeated with God’s near and loving presence. But if we are really being honest with ourselves we rarely experience prayer this way. More often, prayer feels burdensome, tiring, disappointing, or overwhelming. We experience disharmony when what we know should be true about our experience with God fails to match up with our reality. We see this all over the scriptures, embodied in biblical characters, explicit instructions to persevere in prayer, and throughout the prayer book of the Bible known as the Psalms. Ultimately, prayer is something that is often met with struggle and dissonance. But in a beautiful, upside-down-sort-of-way, this births the encounter of where divine grace meets our human frailty. 

So, what do we do when our experience of prayer feels lacking? Below I offer 5 humble suggestions from trial and (much) error.

Cultivate a Deep Confidence in the Character of God

A.W. Tozer once famously wrote, “what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” How we understand God impacts many of our daily decisions either consciously or unconsciously. Likewise, our assumptions about God’s character either drive us towards or away from prayer. Curating a true and trustworthy image of God in our self-understanding will lead us to prayer when it feels most difficult.

Have a Container for When Life Spills

Tyler Staton writes, “prayer is about love, and that means it cannot be sustained on fluttery feelings, good intentions, and spontaneous moments alone. It needs a container, something like the fidelity of a marriage, a set of practices or rituals within which that love can grow, mature, and blossom.” Many times our efforts to pray are frustrated by our inconsistent and busy schedules. Having a committed daily and weekly prayer rhythm might help us cultivate the kind of heaven on earth prayer that Jesus encouraged his disciples to seek.

Don’t Be Afraid to “Fail”

I put fail here in quotations because it’s nearly impossible when it comes to prayer. According to Roberta Bondi, “if you are praying, you are already ‘doing it right.’” Our job is pretty simple when it comes to prayer. We mustn’t overcomplicate it or idealize any form, version, or model. Ronald Rolheisser encourages us with this urge: “There is only one nonnegotiable rule for prayer: ‘show up! Show up regularly!’”

Commit to Simplicity, Creativity, and Spontaneity

A common misunderstanding about prayer has to do with the way we often compartmentalize our lives, thinking that our praying time has to fit within a prescribed piece of our day. In reality, the more prayer becomes what Jesus imagined, heaven on earth, the more we begin to see that this kind of praying concerns all life. And that is not to say that we should lock ourselves in a private room and spend all day in “heaven on earth,” but rather begin to imagine in concrete ways how we can bring heaven into earth through creative, simple, and spontaneous acts of prayer in ordinary life. 

Expect to Give Something Up 

Lastly, while this kind of prayer is something many of us long for, it is not inevitable. It must be pursued intentionally, and with all intentionality comes sacrifice. To experience the richness of life with God, here and now, a taste of how it is in heaven, we will most likely have to give something up. So I close with the wisdom of the Anglican saint Evelyn Underhill, “spiritual achievement costs much, though never as much as it is worth.”

By Ben Ide