Our steeple is getting painted and repaired! It even made the front page!

Watching the steeplejacks way up there swinging around on ropes and beautifying Grace’s iconic edifice, gets me thinking of so many things. How many people over how many years have seen that star-decorated beacon holding regal space over Rutland, and been strengthened and encouraged? How many have been traveling into the city and have caught a far-away glimpse of that steeple and felt, “I’m home!” I still remember the man in the street who told me, “Seeing that steeple up there, saved my life!” He didn’t tell me any more of the story, but that just leaves me to imagine how many lives have been “saved” or made better by that tallest steeple in Vermont (according to Esther, and Siri).

Obviously, it’s not just the wooden structure, the lit star, the intricate topping “finial,” or the superior height of Grace’s steeple that make our lives better, even with a gorgeous fresh coat of paint and newly replaced shingles. The steeple stands for something, points to someOne, and holds meaning for all of us. Of course, we each parse our own interpretations of meaning for the steeple, the building, the faith community, and the faith itself, and that’s as it should be. We’ve each had different lived experiences, and we are all in different places on our journey. The steeple can be a signpost that we’re closing in on our destination, or that we have a long way to go.

The trick, I believe, is to celebrate the iconic nature of the white beacon over us, while continually delving into what it means for the way we live. For each of us, for us together, and also for the larger community and world in our current situations.

In some sense, the meaning of the steeple is lived into reality in the practice of our faith. God says more than once in the scriptures, wooden statues don’t save lives, there is only One who gives Life, and our steeple honors that One. We add to the meaning of the steeple when we, “…do justice…love kindness…and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8) in our daily lives.

Underneath that giant pointer to the Heavens is a giant building that is positively cranking with life throughout the week, filled with music, learning, worship, recovery, service, love and holy friendship. Kids yelling joyfully, a large choir practicing for the big night, women sewing for children in distant lands, groups telling stories of God’s redemption and guidance, and on and on, so much life is happening in Grace.

Under the restored steeple, we are being restored. As long as we remember Who is actually saving us, it wouldn’t be too far off to say, that steeple is saving our lives.

Many thanks, deepest gratitude, to all who have participated in Grace’s Capital Campaign. If you would like to contribute to the steeple and the other projects, please know that your gift will stand for something. Something good.

Blessings, –Terry