Quick Summary:

In today’s reading, the writer of Hebrews speaks to a community in search of a story of belonging. Perhaps they’ve grown weary of the challenges of the Christian life; perhaps they’re feeling the pressure of cultural forces outside the community, some, at least, seem to be struggling with their faith and others have stopped coming to gatherings altogether.

After enduring hardship and showing great love for one another in the past, this community is being stressed. So what does the writer do? He tells them stories…stories of those who have gone before, living out their faith in God’s promises, and laying out the path of endurance for others to follow. Starting at the very beginning of the story of God’s people, he provides example after example of how God’s people, through faith in God’s promises, found a way to endure, against all odds.

in today’s gospel, as Jesus edges closer and closer to Jerusalem and the cross, Jesus tells his followers, “If it’s a quiet, peaceful, conflict-free life, you’re hoping for, than you’re on the wrong path.” Standing with me, he says, necessarily means wading into conflict.

Recently the ELCA declared itself to be a SANCTUARY CHURCH.
This is not a new identity but one that's grounded in the DNA of who we are as church.