We often start the New Year with thoughts of regret and dreams of new opportunities and familiar pains that we hope to avoid. We see this in the endless list of “best-ofs” that come out at this time of year about the best music, movies, books, memories, photos, as well as the “worst-ofs” in music, actions of Hollywood Stars, decisions of politicians, government policies, and fashion statements. There is something deep inside of us longing for a better place, a deeper life, more meaning, less pain, some sort of transformation of our daily mundane lives into what the testimonies of the Bible call “New Life.” What’s ironic is that we seem to start each year looking back in order to know what to avoid in the coming year. The stories, ethos and worldview of the Bible invite us to look back differently. The stories of those that have gone before us in faith invite us to look back in order to remember so that when it happens again we’ll be ready – not to avoid it – but to seize upon the opportunities of grace, growth, and goodness that God will surely and faithfully provide again. The worldview of the Hebrew and Chrsitian Scriptures invites us to have Double Vision – not where we see double – but where we look back in faithfulness in order to look forward with vision and expectancy.
Proverbs 28:19 says “without a vision the people persish.” A friend often says, “without a road map you have no chance of getting where you hope to go.” January is a time of celebration and also of anticipation and reflection. Where are you going as a person of faith? Where are we headed as a community of faith? How has God been faithful to and through us in 2006? And how is God calling us to be faithful in our presence, purpose and passion in 2007? This month in worship we’re taking the time to talk about the four principal cornerstones of our church vision and core values (worship, administriation, visitation, and outreach – read more in this month’s Session report). We’ll be looking to the scriptures to hear about how our core values as a church community and the vision for our minsitries are not just based on my dreams, or on the limitations of our church budget, but upon what we believe to be God’s call for us.
In receving several new members into our church community this past month I was struck by their comments. Each was attracted to our church and kept coming back for more because of different and diverse things, from the concrete teaching to the relationships and community, from the emphasis upon social action to the creativity of our worship celebrations. Oftentimes church congregations are good at talking about change, transformation, and ministry, but slow to actually do it. My deepest hope for Fruitvale – and what we believe the Holy Spirit is doing – is that we continue to become even more of a community in which all peole can discover, re-discover, or deepen their faith; a community in which we practice being Chrisitian in our worship celebrations, community times, educational activities, and visitations – so that when we are all individually out in the world we will know how to and be able to be Christian – not necessarily perfect – but definitely in ways that are concrete, pertinent, and authentic. Jesus taught that we “are the light of the world….therefore let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15-16) As I sit here and type I realize how easy it is for me to say that and how challenging it is to do that. What does it mean to be a light? Are we not lights already? How do you keep shining as a light when you get tired, frustrated, overwhelemed or confused? Such questions and needs are why we gather as a church to practice our christian-ness in worship. It’s why we have the same liturgy each week – confessing our sins, being reminded of God’s love, praying for one another, listening to the Scriptures and giving an offering in response to God’s initial gift of life and love. We all know that practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but it does make us authentic…and isn’t that what we’re all looking and longing for in a faith community and church home?
Peace to you and yours,
Monte
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