My summer was good: sunshine and stars, lakeshores and ocean beaches, cold shrimp sandwiches on a Norwegian fjord, weddings, family and friends, dogs. And I painted some woodwork in the house, a still unfinished task.
And now it is fall; the old word for this upcoming Sunday is Ingathering; some churches have changed the name to Homecoming, which makes me think of football. There is a lot to do before 'the church year' begins again, and I am not sure that I will remember everything. I miss Barbara's mastery of the details.
The church leaders are gathering this Saturday for a goal setting exercise. I'm all for it; we have so much that we can offer to the world that we ought to do everything we can. But these should also be our goals:
1. To come to church more often;
2. to greet more people with warmth and interest
3. to find some new close friends and
4. to let a few friends get a little closer.
5. To be curious about some people of whom you rarely think. (May I suggest immigrants, or muslims, or transgender people?);
6. to learn how to listen to some music that sounds strange at first;
7. to get friendly with some children not your own;
8. to be more at peace when the room goes silent;
9. to more comfortable with your grief and regret;
10. to share more of what you have, especially you.
Church is not supposed to be hard work. Maybe for me, but not for you. It is a time to rest and recover and relax into a more joyful and purposeful life.
It is where you drink of the living water, brimming with stars.
See you Sunday.
Tom
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