Of Mercy and Justice

Had a profitable time at the CityNet retreat this week. It looked like about 50 were in attendance, mostly from PCA churches. The subject was "A Love of Justice Expressed in Mercy." Bill Senyard, pastor of Peace Valley PCA presented a provocative message in understanding justice from a relational-obligation perspective as opposed to a legal-retributive view, and how Christ's work meets the obligations of injustice committed against us. David Apple also spoke, presenting stories of mercy to illustrate three aspects of mercy ministry: making oneself available, forming a relationship, and offering hope. Susan Post of Esperanza also spoke, and Bill Krispin (our featured speaker for UMC) closed.

There was some irony to having a theme about mercy. After having fun beating Phil yet again, Bob Willets and Greg Haubaugh, two PCA ministers, played a "friendly" game of ping pong with me and another graybeard. We beat them easily; then they wanted to play the best of three and (surprise!) suddenly turned into pros. Bob then handled me one on one. I think my problem was the paddle he loaned me. It didn't feel right. I should have been suspicious at the beginning when Greg pulled out his special paddle from a case.