David Gortner says Fig Tree transforms lives

 

David Gortner, priest at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Coeur d'Alene and director of national Episcopal initiatives for clergy leadership and congregational mental health education, served as emcee for the 2025 Fig Tree Benefit Lunch.

"I'm delighted to serve on The Fig Tree board and be immersed in the wonderful work of the staff and volunteers who bring us monthly news and the annual Resource Directory," he said, noting that over its 41 years, The Fig Tree has become part of the fabric of life in the Inland Northwest.

"It has touched lives, shared stories of transformed lives, empowered people and connected them with life-changing resources. It has encouraged relationships among us as a diverse people across many communities," he said

David added that the Benefit Lunch gathers people "to meet, renew relationships and raise their vision to the higher calling of faith in action for the sake of the common good.

"Words have power. We have to keep believing this. Words have power to lift up or to burden down, to enlighten our vision or to dull senses, to inspire or to discourage. Words have power to turn our senses, minds and hearts towards what is truly important," he added.

 Acknowledging that the gathering was on the unceded lands of Indigenous peoples of the region, he stated The Fig Tree's commitment to share stories about them to build understanding and respect, and to work for reconciliation and justice.

David affirmed the power of "the witness and wisdom of those who have shared with us" and invited others to journey in solidarity with the Indigenous people here, to act upon the truths they share and take actions that will create restorative justice for all people."

Looking at the crowd of 310, he recognized that those gathered included many leaders of nonprofits, faiths, cities and neighborhoods who contribute to the public good and come to express their gratitude and support.

"We celebrate the enlightening, inspiring, helping work of The Fig Tree and offer our support for all it does for us across the region."

David then prayed, thanking God for "the faithful work of so many who have made possible the wide-reaching service of The Fig Tree in this region." He expressed gratitude for "its work today and its embrace of people of all faiths" who follow God's "call to care for the world around us and for all who face needs and challenges in life."

David prayed for "guidance for the ongoing work of The Fig Tree, especially in this time of upheaval in our nation and world."

He closed with a prayer by Howard Thurmon for light in darkness, courage in fear, hope in despair, peace in turmoil, joy in sorrow, strength in weakness, wisdom in confusion, forgiveness for sins and love in hate.

The 2025 Benefit videos are available on Youtube through the links on this Benefit 2025 page.