June 24, 2026 Midweek NEws
Happy Wednesday church,
How are we offering “wells of mercy” to neighbors who grieve, suffer, or live under harsher rules than the rest of us? That was the question prompted by our scripture last Sunday. In Genesis 21:8–21, Hagar and young Ishmael are cast into the wilderness near Beer-sheba, and their limited water quickly runs out. Abraham and Sarah hold the power in the family dynamics and rules of an ancient patriarchal culture, while Hagar and Ishmael are left vulnerable. In a moment of absolute desperation and blinding grief, Hagar sits at a distance because she cannot bear to watch her child die.
It is easy to downplay this story as we celebrate the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise, but scripture invites us to humanize Hagar’s tears and desperation. In the middle of an arid plain, God listens to the cries of the suffering and opens Hagar’s eyes to a literal well of water. God does not abandon those who have been pushed to the margins of their community. As a church community, we are called to take our cue from this divine mercy by listening to the vulnerable, speaking with those in grief, and helping uncover wells of hope for those thirsting for grace.
This week, many of you responded to our Mission Team’s call for long-sleeve shirts and toiletries to support immigrant neighbors arriving to pick cherries in the Flathead. These shirts will help protect our neighbors from pesticides and harsh sun. Perhaps you also read that Community Action Partnership of NW Montana recently opened a discount RV park in Kalispell to support seasonal workers, travelers, and others with long-term housing needs. When we listen to neighbors who are pushed to the margins, we discover concrete opportunities to offer God’s saving love in action.
Thank you for helping our church become a place where mercy is not only spoken, but seen, shared, and made practical. May we continue listening for the cries around us, opening our eyes to the wells God provides, and offering living signs of grace to our neighbors.
Summer blessings,
Pastor Jared
Daily Interlake Article: https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2026/jun/23/community-action-partnerships-new-rv-park-offers-affordable-stay-options/