Rays of promise

Three came - then five - then 15. Those numbers seem small, 3, 5, 15 especially when I read about new church starts that begin with 55 in worship the first day. Then I look at the scattered group who are seekers in northern Pennsylvania and the 3, 5, 15 assumes a different perspective.

Though we know that religion and politics are not equal, it is interesting to note that until this year, there has not been an organized Democratic group in our area. And, mostly those who have considered themselves "liberal" in the political realm have not had a voice that speaks for them. So, too, in the religious vein. Until this deliberately liberal church was conceived and supported by two denominations - the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - there was not a religious voice that offered a place for discussion, worship and community for the deliberately liberal residents of the Tioga County Pennsylvania region.

Ten hours a week, including Sunday mornings, I am the minister to Canoe Camp Church (Disciples). I put in as many hours preparing a sermon for this small community as one would in a much larger congregation. We have been deliberate about sowing seeds of growth for this small, liberal-thinking, but more traditional Christian community. Some Sundays, each of us wonders whether our efforts will bear fruit. Yesterday, amid a very dreary morning, the sun shone in our stained glass window, offering hope.

So, too, with the efforts I make to grow Soul Link United Church of Christ. There are huge rays of sun that shine in just when my (not to be confused with God's) outlook seems most bleak. I wonder whether the liberal religious folk of Tioga County feel that Soul Link offers them this unexpected ray of hope? 3, 5, 15 - small, slow, but full of promise for a voice within the Christian community.

Bites and a P.A>

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Little nibbles and a P.S.

This morning I voted in my new community. It was easy; no barriers kept me from voicing my opinion through this electronic ballot. Not all that I do is as easy. Specifically, this church start thing is not easy. Last night at 1:30 AM, I got out of the warm bed I had been in for about one and a half hours, and lay on my couch to try to make sense of this new gathering I am fostering.

My first thought was the easiest: giving up and going back to Colorado, though this place is what I needed in my life when I agreed to come. This place offers community and challenge, new friends and productive life. But in the middle of the night, what it seemed to offer was failure. It just seems there are so many details that need doing and I am not a detail person. ?Whatever was I thinking when I said yes to Allen and Darwin and the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)? In the light of day, I see better and know that I can do the detail work and that what is being offered - a progressive church in a conservative area - is both needed and wanted. People tell me this church is needed.

Things happen in increments. So, my first bite is to write the weekly blog. My second, to plan a month of activities and write/post a newsletter to get the word out. Maybe I will ask for a volunteer who likes detail work to help 4 hours a week. My third? A gulp not a nibble! Go back out to community networking - where I am to spend at least fifty percent of my time. And, coincidently, where I get rejuvenated and feel that success is within my grasp.

P.S. SoulLinkGathering in North Central Pennsylvania will have our second gathering on Sunday, November 23, 3:30 at my home. We are discussing "Spirit!" Please join us if you are close to the Mansfield/Wellsboro area.

Little nibbles and a P.S.

This morning I voted in my new community. It was easy; no barriers kept me from voicing my opinion through this electronic ballot. Not all that I do is as easy. Specifically, this church start thing is not easy. Last night at 1:30 AM, I got out of the warm bed I had been in for about one and a half hours, and lay on my couch to try to make sense of this new gathering I am fostering.

My first thought was the easiest: giving up and going back to Colorado, though this place is what I needed in my life when I agreed to come. This place offers community and challenge, new friends and productive life. But in the middle of the night, what it seemed to offer was failure. It just seems there are so many details that need doing and I am not a detail person. ?Whatever was I thinking when I said yes to Allen and Darwin and the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)? In the light of day, I see better and know that I can do the detail work and that what is being offered - a progressive church in a conservative area - is both needed and wanted. People tell me this church is needed.

Things happen in increments. So, my first bite is to write the weekly blog. My second, to plan a month of activities and write/post a newsletter to get the word out. Maybe I will ask for a volunteer who likes detail work to help 4 hours a week. My third? A gulp not a nibble! Go back out to community networking - where I am to spend at least fifty percent of my time. And, coincidently, where I get rejuvenated and feel that success is within my grasp.

P.S. SoulLinkGathering in North Central Pennsylvania will have our second gathering on Sunday, November 23, 3:30 at my home. We are discussing "Spirit!" Please join us if you are close to the Mansfield/Wellsboro area.