Celebrating Well

By Rev. Caitlin Childers Brown
Pastor and Minister of Service & Community

This past weekend, I participated in my first-ever triathlon. It was a “mini sprint” so the lengths were much shorter than some might imagine for an Ironman—but for me, it was a physical challenge that I had been preparing for since January. It was something that I had always dreamed of doing, and I realized that I was in a season of life where I could with some training. It was such a neat experience, doing things I never really thought I could, like swimming in a wetsuit in a lake on a cool morning or biking in a race! As one of my fellow racers said, “Why be good at one sport when you can be mediocre at three?”

 There are a lot of parts from that celebratory morning that I want to remember, but the best part was how so many people supported and encouraged me in this dream. From the many people who answered my endless questions, such as: what in the world do you wear to do three sports back-to-back? Or how many sugary energy packets can I get away with eating? To the many kind words of encouragement from friends and family. But most importantly, at each transition in the race, Ethan, Basil, and my mom were there to cheer me on. It was encouraging to their sweet faces yelling and cheering, reminding me that I could do this big brave thing. It made me feel seen, and as though I was not doing this alone but by their encouragement. It was such a gift and a memory I will cherish. 

 During the next few weeks in the life of the church, we have a beautiful opportunity to encourage, cheer on, and celebrate quite a few people. This Sunday (April 21) in worship, Missy Ward-Angalla, a missionary we have supported for a long time, will share with us about her ministry. Then on Wednesday (April 24), we will have the Ramirezes, a new missionary family we will be supporting, sharing about their work in the Philippines. On Sunday (April 28) in worship we will be signing the covenant of support for the Ramirezes and Megan Doud of CBF will be preaching. And then in May, we will have a short blessing for one of our very own, Ben Browne, who will be going this summer to minister and lead at Passport Camps. 

 In the next few weeks, I hope we can be like Ethan, Basil, and my mom—cheering and encouraging these beloved partners in ministry. I hope our words and actions remind them that they are not doing these works alone, but that they go with our support and our prayers. What a joyous few weeks at Highland Hills!