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Prairie Bluffs Mission Center

Prairie Bluffs Mission Center is a fellowship of 21 Community of Christ congregations serving Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. Community of Christ is an international community of faith where all are welcome. We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

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A Note from Noel – February 2025

WHICH TRAIN WILL WE RIDE?

Prophetic imagination is the ability to see beyond what is to what could be. Inspired by the teachings of Walter Brueggemann and the call of Christ’s mission, we are challenged not just to acknowledge the suffering in our world but to speak disruptive truth, envision an alternative future, and take real steps toward bringing forth God’s peaceable kingdom.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train captures the turmoil of our world today:

“Crazy, that’s how it goes… Millions of people, living as foes… Maybe, it’s not too late… To learn how to love, forget how to hate.”

While the second half of this verse expresses hope, the chorus reflects feelings of desperation and fear—sometimes, it seems like we’re all “going off the rails on a crazy train.” Division, fear, and cycles of conflict surround us. But we are not destined to ride the crazy train. We can step off and choose a different train—and a different destination.

Johnny Cash, in Folsom Prison Blues, sings:

“I hear the train a-comin’, it’s rolling ’round the bend…”

For some, that train represents regret and feeling trapped in patterns of the past. But what if the train coming our way is an invitation to hope, renewal, and mission?

At our recent pastor and congregational leader retreat, we were blessed to receive guest ministry from Community of Christ President-Designate Stassi Cramm, who helped us explore the power of prophetic imagination and finding our place in God’s vision for the world. We were reminded that God’s Spirit is still moving, calling us to listen, to dream, and to take the next faithful steps toward a world that reflects Christ’s love and justice.

The world may feel stuck on a crazy train or a prison train, but we are invited to ride another train—the Peace Train. As Cat Stevens wrote:

“Now I’ve been smiling lately, thinking about the good things to come, And I believe it could be, something good has begun.”

So, which train will we ride? One that fuels fear and division? Or one that carries hope, love, and transformation? Let’s be people who choose hope over despair, love over fear, and action over complacency. May we have the courage to imagine boldly and take meaningful steps toward establishing God’s vision for the world.

All aboard!

Blessings,

Noel

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