Many of us will be gathering with family over the next few weeks, some with whom we may disagree about important issues. Anticipating these gatherings may bring joy and excitement—or maybe anxiety, possibly some of both. From social media or previous experience, we might know of one family member with whom we hope to avoid talking. I have left such gatherings with regrets about how I have listened to others (or didn’t). Maybe you can relate.

As we continue to count the days of Advent and anticipate celebrating the birth of Jesus, we are aware of the gap between our observed reality and the ideal world we hope for when Christ returns to make all things right. As we continue through our series World Waiting: Words of Hope from Isaiah, we are exploring our hope for the end of division, oppression, and war and the renewal of the world. Even as we wait, we are called to embody Jesus’ love and hope now. Last Sunday, I talked about a World Without Division.

We can create a shallow peace by surrounding ourselves with people who are like us, but that is not the kind of long and substantial peace that we are called to live out. Rather, we must work hard to include people with whom we differ significantly, and together, seek to be conformed more and more to the way of Jesus. This is a great challenge. But there are ways we can grow.

Each January during our second hour, we pause our normal rhythm of breaking into three distinct communities and come together to engage with some topic to help us grow more into Christlikeness. We call it our “J-Term.” In 2026, we are excited to welcome Dr. Ramon Pastrano to lead and facilitate a series of conversations around “Peacemaking in Polarized Times.” 

Dr. Pastrano brings expertise in brain science, psychology, and culture and experience in the medical field, military, faith, and the academy to questions of how to create thriving, resilient cultures that can bridge divides. He will give us tools to:

• Recognize polarization around us
• Grow in self-awareness
• Reframe goals for dialogue
• Learn and practice the art of listening and dialogue

I first met Dr. Pastrano in 2015 when I began teaching his son bass lessons each week for four years in their home. I saw him live the concepts he will be guiding us through. When I went to Japan, he gave me some tips for noticing and navigating a different culture. It reframed my trip and what I was able to learn—about a different place and people and myself and home. I am personally thrilled to have him join us in January. I believe it will help us to grow in our peacemaking abilities as a community, with neighbors, and in our personal relationships. Let us strive to be peacemakers as we enter the new year.

We hope you join us for this exciting J-Term series, part of Sunday Morning Communities. This event is free, open to City Church attenders, friends, and members of the community. See you in January!