In our baptismal service this Sunday, we'll see the integration of the biblical story of redemption with the personal stories of those being baptized. The same God who formed and saved the world is forming and saving individuals. 

We see this connection, between God's story and a personal story, in our Old Testament lesson for the day, Genesis 45. In this passage, Joseph begins to interpret not only God's plan for redemption, but also his own—individual, personal—place in that rescue mission. 

While the church is quick to announce God's story, I fear we're less ready to help one another listen to, understand, and interpret our own, individual stories. An ancient practice in the church is meant to do just that. It's called "spiritual direction." 

All Saints wants to get better at this ancient practice. To that end, we hired Kendrick Banks to be Director of Spiritual Formation. He will engage congregants in what's sometimes called "holy listening," to help us do what Joseph did and what the baptismal service does: reflect upon and interpret our story in the context of God's story. 

In lieu of a traditional homily, on Sunday I'll interview Kendrick on how we can integrate the macro-narrative of Scripture with our own, personal micro-narratives. This road of spiritual integration is as long and steep as it is worthy and beautiful. I'm so thankful that we have Kendrick on Sunday to be our guide. You won't want to miss it!