Are we there yet? Such a question may evoke memories of a summer car trip. It is a question that assumes that the destination is what is important and the journey is secondary.
I think the order is different in the faith story. Roads or desert pathways are a common place of holy encounter in scripture. As we begin the worship cycle in September, we start again in the book of Genesis and move through the Hebrew narrative and into the story of Jesus and his followers. And we seek to find ourselves in the story – which probably means we find ourselves on roads and desert pathways. (Better bring along some water!)
This theme emerges in my mind as I look ahead to the fall for a couple of reasons. First, the Mission Forward process continues and we are discerning some directions and some priorities as we live into the vision statement: “Living faithfully in the Spirit of Christ to make a loving difference in the world.” Second, one of the learning opportunities beginning after Thanksgiving will be two different opportunities to explore the book The Great Spiritual Migration by Brian McLaren. He outlines three shifts in understanding of faith that are helping to reshape the practice of faith. Most of what he describes is what we have been living in The United Church for the past 35-40 years. I am excited about the chance to reflect and wrestle with his thinking with groups of persons.
So, as I think about the fall, I am excited that we aren’t there yet, but together we can travel in hope and wisdom.
