I love to tell the story; for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ‘twill be the old, old story, that I have loved so long.
Lyrics: Katherine Hankey (1834-1911)
Music: William Gustavus Fischer (1835-1912)
(Author’s note: the following did not occur at church). It was one of those gatherings that we’ve almost all experienced. It had taken an act of will to simply muster the effort to get there. Other demands on time and attention argued hard to take precedence over this prior commitment. But prior commitments have a claim of their own, so I went; committing to those I was joining and convinced that the time would be well spent.
It was. But it took a while. First, we had to look around and lament those who were not in the room. Why don’t they come? How can we impress upon them the importance of being with us? What should we say or do…? Which led in quick succession to the inevitable conversation about the focus of future assemblies. Aaaaaaarrrrrrrggggggghhhhhh!
Believing, as I do, that the cost of complaining should be paid for with a constructive alternative, I offered one. Note my choice of the word “offer.” Shoving solutions down other people’s throats does not qualify as constructive. And, by definition, an offering can be refused.
In this instance, it wasn’t refused. With the ascent of those gathered we stopped, regrouped and adopted a different approach: one focused on the people who actually were in the room and the gift of the present moment. It turned out to be time well-spent with people I look forward to getting to know better.
Now another author’s note: the situation described above could very well have occurred at church – ours or someone else’s. Churches do not hold the same sway they once did in the communities they serve. Families have more demands on their time and more ways to fill their desire for social interaction, child development and community engagement than their parents and grandparents had. So, what makes the church distinctive? Compelling? Appealing? Important?
I believe that is the core question for congregations today. And I believe the conversation should start with those who are already present and the reasons we choose to be “in the room.” What do you value? What gives you comfort, feeds your spirit, fills your soul? How is the Living, Loving God manifest in your life and how does your church nurture that? Or not? What’s missing for you? What would you sorely miss?
I don’t mean to suggest that we build community for ourselves alone. This is Christ’s church. Not ours. But I am saying that the things that give you strength and hope and solace and peace are likely to have value for others, too. Your loves and your longings are likely to be shared. When the gathered body is happy and finding fulfillment together, it shows. And that can be contagious!
My dream for this church is to name and claim our deepest treasure – those things that make our Community in Christ so very precious – and clothe ourselves in that. And then, my friends, we should STRUT! Proudly, faithfully, generously and courageously, we should wear the mantle we’ve been given for all the world to see.
Jesus sent us out to serve those who hunger and thirst for life, even life in abundance. God’s Word, God’s Vision, God’s Compassion and God’s Love are ours to offer. This church is a point of access. May we not miss the gift of this moment nor the wonder of those with whom it is shared.
See you in church! Pastor Karen
“Speaking of SCC”
In the coming weeks, Second Congregational Church will be doing a survey to help focus our “message” about who we are, what we stand for and how we seek to serve the greater community. We hope to get input from those close and not so close to the daily doings of this congregation. At the same time, we desperately need pictures and visuals of our life together to support the website and social media. Details about the survey will be shared as soon as they are ready. Your pictures and ideas are welcome now and always! Thank you.