By Kelly Akins
I recently traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, to attend the North American Gathering of Godly Play. It was a beautiful time of retreat, renewal and connection. On the first day, we were invited to cross the threshold, and as we entered the chapel we were asked, “Are you ready?”
As we gather today, the question is, “Are you ready?” Are you ready to worship together? Are you ready for the Spirit of God to move among us? Are you ready to leave distractions at the door and stay off your phone for an hour? If you’re not ready, what can you do to get ready? Do you need to experience the silence or share your concerns with someone so they can pray with and for you? What is holding you back from being ready to cross the threshold?
The second part of the conference focused on story. Listen as you hear the story from Georgia today. What moves your heart? What parts of the story speak to you? Is there a part of the story we could leave out and still have all we need?
Next we were invited to wonder. As we read our passage from Hebrews, I wonder if you have had angels among you without knowing it. I wonder what kind of sacrifice we can offer that would be pleasing to God. I wonder how God reveals Godself to you in the parable of the wedding feast.
Following the wondering, we were given the opportunity to respond. This could be done however we chose — by drawing, writing, exploring the city, listening to music or meditating. I must confess that I chose to take a nap since it was a cool, rainy day in Vancouver. However you choose to respond today is what is right for you.
On our last evening, we gathered for a feast and enjoyed breaking bread together, enriching our time in fellowship. A couple of weeks ago, we were able to feast together at our “Welcome, Y’all!” lunch in Community Hall. What a rich time we had as we looked at where we’ve been and looked forward to Wilshire’s 75th anniversary in 2026. How can you participate? What is your part in the story?
The last morning in Vancouver, we had a blessing service where we remembered our baptism. We were invited to come to the deep well and touch the living water. There were people there from all over the world — Australia, Uruguay, Denmark, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States. As we came to the living water, words from John 2:29–34 were read in all the different languages. It was a holy moment.
What a blessing to be part of that gathering in Vancouver and part of today’s gathering here at Wilshire Baptist Church. Go in peace, my friends, and be blessed.