By Jason Bagnall
The fall of 2025 offered me a rare opportunity to step back and lean into Christian community. My normally fast-paced and stressful days of federal work were paused for just under two months. An unexpected thing happened: my life slowed down, becoming happier and more intentional. I ate better. I slept better. It turns out the thing I need most is time spent a short drive down Cranbrook Road. I was surprised and delighted, welcomed and wanted, helping and helped by, with, and for my dear friends at Christ Church Cranbrook.
Lighthouse Week was the cornerstone of this time in my life. Imagine trying on daily Christian community. The people you look forward to seeing once or twice a week, now joined each day in useful purpose. Joyful labor on behalf of those with less, but not lesser. Working together to feed them, help clothe them, and provide small needful things you and I likely take for granted.
Giving is a powerful and important act, and without it Lighthouse Week simply wouldn’t happen: every meal served starts with someone’s generosity. If your usual offering is financial, please keep giving, but if you’re able, don’t let that be the whole of it. Lighthouse week gives us something more: striving side by side, sometimes sweaty and uncomfortable, always ripe with chances to practice our patience. Your gift transforms the lives of our neighbors; your presence transforms your own.
If you’re feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by the sound and fury of the last several years, I can think of no better remedy than pressing pause and spending an hour, a day, or the whole week with your own community of Christ, serving others. I promise it will be the best investment in yourself you make this year. We’re never more at risk of joy, hope, and the fulfillment of our baptismal covenant than when we take up common cause together.