As you know from my posts we are big fans of Gen X& Z because a higher percentage of these two generations are much more concerned about the issues of environmental, racial and economic justice than those of us in older generations. Pew Research reports that these two generations are much more active in addressing environmental and social issues than older generations.
Over the past 30 years I have found that most church leaders love and delight in each new generation of young people. However, while they they delight in them, they often don’t realize that our newest Generations, Gen Y & Z, are much more active in working for environmental, racial and social justice than older generations. Also, they are often not aware of how much more expensive it is for Gen Y & Z to launch their lives than it was for older generations.
For example, when I attended Cascade College way back in the 50s I made enough at a modest Summer Recreation job to pay all my tuition, fees and books for a year. Students these days find that their summer jobs may help pay for some of their books but do little to reduce the costs of tuition and campus housing.
Working as professor for Fuller Theological Seminary for almost 30 years at their Seattle extension I became aware that rising college costs were dramatically increasing their school debt. In addition to this, the rising cost of housing is dramatically raising the cost for students to launch their lives after they graduate. Housing is particularly expensive in cities like Seattle.
When I went house hunting in Seattle over 30 years ago, housing was much less expensive. I was surprised to find an ancient house in Seattle that was constructed back in 1910. Essentially it is three separate 2 bedroom houses stacked on top of each other with a very large back yard.
Christine and I decided 30 years ago to transform these three ancient 2 bedroom apartments into a Christian co-living Community called Mustard Seed House. Even though rent has become quite high in Seattle we have been able to keep our rent below the going rate here.
Christine and I have so enjoyed getting to know a number of younger couples and singles who welcomed the opportunity to be a part of a Christian co-living community. What we offer to all of our co-living friends is the opportunity to share a meal every week where we also take time to reflect on our faith journey. We also share an opportunity once a month to work in our community garden together.
Last year we all harvested and shared 100 pounds of tomatoes and 400 pounds of apples. Before Covid we used to periodically host large groups of friends at events in our backyard. However, to be responsible hosts we have cut back to much smaller groups.
Christine and I decided to let all her readers know that our largest apartment on our top floor is currently available to a couple, small family or 2 to 4 singles who would like to experience a co-living experience in the Mustard Seed House in Seattle.
The top floor apartment is the largest of the three residences. It includes 2 large bedrooms, a small office, a kitchen with a living area and a large living room. It also has remarkable views of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains and is in very good condition. Contact Christine Sine to take a tour. Many members of Gen Y & Z find co-living in places like Seattle is not only less expensive, young people tell us it is also more engaging.
Finally do let us know if you would like to view the apartment in person or have a Zoom visit.
Wishing you and you and yours a blessed Advent and a Joyous Christmas
Or attend our next retreat – Following The Star Into the New Year
https://godspacelight.com/event/following-the-star-into-the-new-year/
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.