Our City
A few days ago, I made a mistake I’ve lately tried hard to avoid: I turned on the news.
My senses were immediately inundated with the sights and sounds of our broken world: civil wars, terrorism, violence, racial divisions, epidemics, natural disasters, poverty, hunger, injustice. In that moment, as my heart hurt, I have to admit I heard a quiet voice in my head saying, “Thank God I live here… not there.”
In this small corner of the world, we are shielded from so much suffering. My friends are all used to hearing my (only half-joking) description of Gig Harbor as “The Second Eden.” How truly fortunate we are.
And how easy to forget that even this lovely place needs our prayers. In a city whose most pressing problem these days seems to be some heavier traffic, it might feel frivolous to pray for sweet, little Gig Harbor. Brothers and sisters, it is not.
My name is Spencer Hutchins, and I am honored to serve as an elder at Chapel Hill. This week we invite you to pray intentionally for our city as we continue through our sermon series “in·ter·cede.”
I’ve spent my life in Gig Harbor. I’m a son both of this church and this town. I can’t remember a time without either. Gig Harbor has been the backdrop of my life. Over the last few years I’ve been privileged to serve as a Gig Harbor Planning Commissioner and to put down roots as a local business owner. Like you, I care deeply about our city.
When I think about Gig Harbor, I picture the wonderful people—all of us—who are the fabric of our community, each playing a part in making this city what it is. I think of the churches, schools, organizations, and businesses that are its beating heart. I think of Gig Harbor’s friendliness and picturesque beauty. There is a laundry list of reasons to love this place!
But it doesn’t stop there. I also think of how we need the love, patience, grace, and wisdom of Jesus to live and work together in this community—in a way that honors the Lord and each other.
I love Gig Harbor. I praise God for it. I am so thankful I get to live here. Aren’t you?
Then let’s pray for our city! Let’s pray for continued safety and prosperity, for humble hearts to serve, and for wisdom in our leaders. Above all, let’s pray that our city will always be a place that honors God, where the Holy Spirit is alive, where the joy of the Lord unites us.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” May our light, here in Gig Harbor, never go out. See you Sunday to lift our city up together in prayer!
Spencer Hutchins
Elder