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Welcome to the Forest Parish

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​A Place of Hearth, Home, and Holy Ground ​ Dear friends in Christ, ​Welcome to this clearing in the woods. Just as the forest offers shelter to all and the hearth provides warmth to the weary, I hope this space serves as a sanctuary for your spirit. ​There are many voices in the world, but here is the rhythm of my own heart and ministry—a way of life rooted in the ancient soil of the Gospel and the quiet light of the home fire. ​The Three Great Trees: A Foundation of Faith ​In my journey, three truths stand like ancient oaks, providing shelter and strength: ​ The Living Word: Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Apart from Him, the true God cannot be fully known. In Jesus, we see the face of a God who is Love, and whose Gospel is the path of Peace. ​ The Gift of Grace: Salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Like the rain that falls on the forest floor, grace is a gift—unearned, refreshing, and life-giving. ​ T...
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The Monk, the Painting, and the Father Who Runs: A Journey into Abba’s Love

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Rembrandt van Rijn, The Return of the Prodigal Son (c. 1668), Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. A shorter version of a message originally shared at Whyte’s Causeway Baptist Church: ​Years ago, during my time with the L'Arche community, I was sent on a silent retreat. After days of profound quiet, we gathered in a large hall for a final meeting. At the front of that room hung a massive reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son . ​As I sat there, I witnessed something I’ve never forgotten: a Franciscan monk began to dance down the aisle. ​Watching him move in his habit with such uninhibited joy, I realized I was seeing someone who truly understood the heart of God. He wasn't just thinking about theology; he was experiencing the welcome of a Father. It was a physical manifestation of the joy of the Kingdom—the kind of joy that comes when you stop trying to earn a place at the table and realize you were invited all along. ​The True Self ​The late Br...
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Degrees, Valleys, and Gateway Awards: Why My "Spiky Profile" Needs Both

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It might seem a bit unusual: I hold two Bachelor's degrees, I'm an autistic adult, and yet, I'm currently working on the Mencap Gateway Award. On paper, it looks like a "mismatch," but in reality, it's a perfectly logical step in my journey. ​Many neurodivergent individuals, myself included, experience what’s called a "spiky profile." This means our skills and development aren't uniform. We might have impressive strengths in academic areas—like my degrees demonstrate—but find other aspects of life incredibly challenging. Think of it like a beautiful mountain range: towering peaks in some areas, and deep valleys in others. ​University taught me how to research, write, and think critically. What it didn't teach me was how to navigate the overwhelming sensory input of a grocery store, manage executive dysfunction to maintain a consistent routine, or decode the nuanced social cues essential for building community connections. ​The Gateway Awar...
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A Congress of Nations: A Two-Century Legacy of Christian Nonresistance - A Summary and Devotion

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In a world where conflict often feels like an inevitability, we rarely look back to the radical voices of the past who believed a different way was possible. In 1843, a group of believers at Oberlin stood against the tide of nationalistic fervor to propose something revolutionary: a world governed not by the edge of a sword, but by the "great law of mutual love." As we revisit their visionary Constitution today, we find that their call for a "Congress of Nations" and a reliance on Divine Providence is more than just a historical curiosity—it is a timeless challenge to every follower of the Prince of Peace. ​ Matthew 5:9 — "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." ​Summary ​The 1843 Constitution of the Oberlin Peace Society outlines a radical commitment to Christian nonresistance, asserting that the spirit of war is fundamentally incompatible with the Gospel of Christ. The document argues that both individuals and nations are ...
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The Church at the Crossroads: Summary & Devotion

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The Summary The Church at the Crossroads Declaration is an urgent call for the global church to choose Jesus’ way of nonviolence over political militarism. Responding to the crisis in Gaza, the document repents for "theological scandals" that justify violence and rejects any ideology that values "ancient stones over the lives being buried beneath them." It demands an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the recognition of every person—Palestinian and Israeli alike—as a precious "image-bearer of God." Ultimately, it challenges Christians to move past silence and prioritize "costly love" and human dignity over nationalistic security. ​ The Devotion Standing at a crossroads requires us to decide if our primary allegiance belongs to a kingdom of force or the Kingdom of God. Matthew 5:9 reminds us that the "children of God" are defined by their work as peacemakers, not by their ability to justify wrath. To follow Chris...
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The Law of Love: A Summary & Devotion

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The Context (1840) In 1840, a group of believers at Oberlin formed a society based on a radical interpretation of the Gospel. Their manifesto, the Declaration of Sentiments , argued that because Christ is the "Prince of Peace," His followers must totally abandon "carnal weapons." They believed that any government sustained by force, any military action (even defensive), and any legal retaliation (lawsuits) were "anti-Christian" and contrary to the spirit of Jesus. ​ The Scripture ​ "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also." — Matthew 5:39 ​ The Devotional Reflection ​ 1. Trading Force for Forbearance The Oberlin Society’s constitution was built on the belief that a Christian’s work is not to control others by force, but to "win them to the obedience of the Gospel by love." They argued that the only way to overcome the enmity of the world is t...
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Thoughts on a Neuro-Inclusive Lent

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​ A Search for Sanctuary ​As I move through another week of my Gateway Award, my mind is turning toward the upcoming season of Lent that starts 18 February. Traditionally, it's a time of "giving things up," but I’m considering a different approach this year. Instead of the usual fasts, I am thinking about giving up the exhausting attempt to force my faith into a neurotypical frame of reference. ​For too long, I have tried to worship in ways that didn't fit my nervous system—navigating "sensory gauntlets" and the quiet judgment of the traditional pew. I want to explore what it means to trade that "mask" for a more authentic way of being. ​ Expanding the Search ​As an extension of my search for an ASN-friendly ministry, I’ve recently connected with Autism Consecrated . They’ve introduced me to the life of St. Thorlak of Iceland and resources designed specifically for the autistic soul. ​I’m currently looking into the Scriptural Stati...
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Gateway Evidence: Week 2 Summary & The Advocacy Log

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​This week, my pilgrimage moved between the quiet of nature and the active "armor-on" work of family advocacy. Here is the evidence for my Bronze Gateway Award. ​ 1. The Advocacy Log (New Section) ​This week in my pilgrimage, I didn't just walk in nature; I walked the path of advocacy. I've been pushing for the school transport my kids deserve and visiting potential church homes. It’s a different kind of 'Sanctuary' building—one that requires a louder voice. ​ Evidence:    "Tutting" to Pioneering: Reclaiming the Sacred Table ​ Award Category: Lifestyle (Rights) & Personal Challenge (Community Inclusion). Other Lifestyle: Using tactile tools from Squiggle Society to maintain sensory regulation. ​ 2. Weekly Evidence Checklist ​ Volunteering (Walk for Autism): Route planning and logistics phase. ​ Evidence (testing out how to use MapMyFitness app and introducing my mascot Fluffy ) ​ Fit...
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