| Trusting in God that we are on the right path in this process. |
On a positive note, we had some good feedback on our 9:15 Sunday Morning Forum. I am looking forward to our dialogue next week. I am sure it will be a fruitful one.
Three scriptures that came to mind during the course of our last meeting:
Matthew 25: The parable of the bridegroom and the wedding party. We, like the bridesmaids, must be ready, lamps filled.
Isaiah 40:3: "Prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God." We must prepare ourselves for the coming of our new rector, this is not just a corporate, but also an individual responsibility.
1 Corinthians 13: "Love is patient, Love is Kind..." We could not have had a more appropriate epistle for yesterday...we must carry this message in our hearts and minds as we interact with one another and prepare the way for our new rector.
I also echo the need to keep our ears peeled (and deeply listening) for any "us/them" language. Anyone that hears this (vestry, staff, individual parishioners) needs to ask the deep questions to draw out the source of this expression. Such divisive language, to me, points to a need for continued healing within our parish, and we must continue to pray for such healing.
It is my prayer that this Sunday Morning forum will do more to UNIFY and HEAL than SEPARATE and DIVIDE our congregation. Each person is a valid part of our community that must be heard and we must learn, even though we may disagree, that we come to worship for one reason, and that is to be transformed into a conduit of God's love to all people.
I continue to pray for God's peace, courage and strength for the vestry, and the staff during this time of transition.
In His Love,
Chris
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