We, as church, have been journeying together this summer through a landscape of acknowledging our individual and collective grief; seeking ways of healing for ourselves and our world; and now we come to the part of our journey where we start to wonder – where are we headed? What are we becoming?
We know this: that we have a calling, a mission – To Seek God, Learn to Love Like Jesus, and Serve the World. We know that we have an identity – the Beloved Community, Beloved by God. But how exactly do we manifest that? How do we live into what we have learned and how we have changed?
Take a moment and ponder: What are the words that come to mind when you think holistically about the word: “Becoming”? Changing? Evolving? Growing? Emerging? How about Unsure? Curious? Afraid? Hopeful?
If we are honest, all these words might come to our mind. When we anticipate something, we experience a myriad of emotions, including hope and fear, eagerness and hesitation. And that is not only normal, but OK!
As we journey together to explore Becoming, let’s reflect on some helpful tools to help us on our way.
- LET GO – Let go of being comfortable. Instead, be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
- BE CURIOUS – Be curious and wonder about the process – be willing to imagine and dream.
- LET GOD – Recognize that God is the potter, and we are the clay. God is with us, God calls us to this, and God will provide us with what we need to grow, evolve, and emerge.
- BE PATIENT – It’s a journey, not a destination. We are always BECOMING. Recall the words of the apostle Paul:
This next month, we will be exploring Becoming in worship, through our Thursday night study groups, and by utilizing the Resource Guide, which you can access here. We will center in on how we “Become the Beloved Community” through the lens of our mission statement in practical and real ways. Pray for our church as we go forth together.
Blessings,
The Ministry Team – Janis Brown, Lori Bryant, Paul DeArman, and Mary Alice Do