05/22/2024
“We’ve never done it that way!” Ever heard that sentence? Ever said that sentence? It’s a common thing to hear in churches, especially Episcopal ones.
It’s like the joke, “How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?” To which the answer is “CHANGE?!?!” This summer will be a time where things will be done differently from what we’re used to. It’s an easy temptation to think, “Meh, I’m not gonna be too enthusiastic about it. I might show up occasionally, but it’s not what I think is how church should be.” That would be an incorrect assessment by my calculations, and here’s why.
There’s a theological concept that Martin Luther once said that I agree with, and that’s the idea of the priesthood of all believers. As baptized Christians, we are full members together in the body of Christ. We each have a part to play in the life of this community. As St. Paul said, it’s hard to have a body that hears if the ears don’t show up, or if the eyes think they can do the job of the ears. It’s
hard to walk if the legs aren’t around. Each of us has unique gifts from God that come to us like breathing that are necessary for the life, work, and love of the church to be what it is meant to be.
Another important thing: you will experience things that will expand your understanding because you’ll hear new perspectives: from outside clergy, and from fellow members of our church! You’ll have new opportunities to engage with Scripture. With liturgy. Most of all, you’ll discover new aspects of your life in the church.
This is why I cannot overstate how important it is to show up for one another and for God this summer. I’m curious what you’ll discover. I’m excited for what God has in store for you as a congregation. May this Sunday being Pentecost breathe the wind and fire of the Spirit into our lives as a church and let Her bring new and fullest life to us in these new opportunities!
Gratefully,
Rev. Jeff
