Tonight I will light thirty arctic ice lanterns that line our property in honor of those whose lives are brightening our world by working for and, at times, suffering for peace, justice, and good will to all. In short they are doing the work of community transformation and creating good cities. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” His words speak to our capacity for good.
The people on this year’s list are not the names of famous people. The mostly quiet nature of their work does not catch the eye of the media, yet their lights shine brightly as they shape our world. Jesus went on to say, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds glorify your Father in heaven.”
Here’s the list:
Ray Bakke, Jeff Bass, Stephanie Butler, Steve Capper, Reid Carpenter, Richard Coleman, Corey DeBoar, Kathy Dudley, John Evans, Mark Ford, Tracy and Eric Hagman, Chris Handley, Jim Herrington, Louis King, Jeff Kreiser, Jeff Martin, Scott Myers, Kevin Palau, John Perkins, Arthur Rouner, Mike Sharrow, Barbara Simpson-Epps, Chad Schwitters, Greg and Deb Snell, Eric Swanson, Rebecca Walls, Sam Williams, and Neddie Winters.
