“Sharing in Conversation”
Early April brings Western District Synod, which is a time for laity and clergy to gather and prayerfully discern God’s leading over our District in the coming years. This year’s District Synod will give opportunity to share in prayer and worship~ these holy moments of conversation with the Lord. There will also be an opportunity to gather in small groups with other brothers and sisters in Christ and share in conversation, also holy moments as the Holy Spirit works in and through our time together. I am excited to share in this time, to speak and to listen to the joys, challenges and dreams rising up from our conversations. Though, the conversation will not start on Thursday, April 3rd as Synod delegates gather. As the Synod planning committee met they were led to intentionally invite each community of faith to share in the conversation and lift up their joys, challenges and dreams.
I draw your attention back to the months of November and December. You may remember the three bright banners that were in our sanctuary each sharing a different question: What are we doing well as a congregation? What are the challenges? Called by God to be the Body of Christ, what are our dreams for God’s Church? Those in the worshipping community here at West lifted up with hope, joy and thanksgiving the ways they see God working in our congregation. These were holy moments as we listened to each other and the Spirit of God working in the midst of our community. This conversation has been lifted up to the Synod planning committee along with other congregations and has given shape and direction to April’s Synod.
The intent of looking at these questions at West was to share our thoughts with the Synod planning committee. That has happened but the conversation can continue. As we move forward in ministry together it is important to speak, to listen, to pray and together discern God’s leading. Through the month of April we will have opportunity in worship to look to the joys, challenges and dreams shared a few months ago and consider how they can shape our shared ministry.
Below is a summation of the thoughts shared in worship on Sunday, December 3rd.
What are we doing well as a congregation?
- Reaching out beyond our congregation and being ‘leaven’ in our larger community whether through local social justice ministries or local and global missions.
- Living out our faith and motto “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials, Diversity, In All Things Love” without being hung up on doctrinal issues
On Sunday, April 13 let us share in joy and thanksgiving for these ministries.
What are the Challenges?
- How can we communicate the joy of the Christian message with others?
- Create opportunities for relationships to grow and develop across generations and among folks from diverse backgrounds
On Sunday, April 20th let us be grateful for the opportunities these challenges give.
Called by God to be the Body of Christ, what are our dreams for God’s Church?
- Find ways to be good stewards of the facility and grow as stewards
- Develop understanding of how we can connect to folks in our community whether they are the homeless, immigrants, or spiritual seekers.
On Sunday, April 27th let us share how these dreams can become real in our community of faith.
In hope and joy, Pastor Marian
