Jiggety jig.
The thrill of coming home has never changed.
–Guy Pearce
We have been on a long journey together. It began
as a dream: a desire to become truly one
congregation, a place where God’s grace and agape love flow freely,
uninhibited, to all. We wanted our worship space to reflect the openness of the
Kingdom, too, the hope and promise of a future where love wins and peace
prevails, while honoring the saints who paved the way, brave souls from whom we
have learned so much.
Our “extended summer” in the Great Hall has given
us time. Time to reflect, to take a break—to be open to the new and different
ways God’s Holy Spirit is moving and working among us, transforming lives and
hearts. It has also given us time to mourn together, even as we celebrate and
anticipate what lies ahead. It’s okay—normal and healthy, even—to have mixed
emotions about our renovated Sanctuary.
And now, finally, it is complete. We gather this
morning for the first time in this
new space. We have returned—home.
What’s changed is the worship space: more open,
more welcoming—fresh. What hasn’t changed? The love we feel for one another and
the ways we care for one another in all times and all seasons.
So—how does it feel (for you)?
Monday During your quiet time today, remember a
time when you returned home after a long absence. How were you received? Pray
for broken families. Psalm 84:3-5
Tuesday Pause today and reflect on a time when
you had to leave home. What was
behind the decision? How do you feel now, looking back? Pray for young adults
at life’s crossroads. Proverbs 3:33-34
Wednesday Many are returning to the Church in
the Circle, some out of curiosity, others out of love. Think about what it
means to welcome someone long absent. Luke
15:11-32
Thursday How do you feel about “old” and “new”?
(Be honest.) Pause and reflect on our many valued traditions and how meaningful
they are to you. 1 Timothy 4:9-10
Friday Today, be honest with yourself and
transparent with God: What are you afraid of? Listen for God’s words of
comfort. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19
Saturday Pray today for yourself. What will you
do to support your church family as we move forward? Matthew 9:16-17
Sunday Look around. Seek out a new face. Welcome
them with the same love shown to you by the Almighty. 2 John :12
Never make your home in a place. Make a home
for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish
it—memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That
way it will go with you wherever you journey. –Tad Williams
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