Harvest dinner blast...

What a sweet, sweet day - something that only seems to take place in small congregations of faith in these fast and demanding times. We held our annual harvest dinner tonight - a tradition for ages - and often it has been a time for some in the church to gather for food and fun. Thankfully, the vision is shifting from one exclusively for adults to something more wiggy and intergenerational because tonight was totally young family/children friendly... and it was a blast!

+ There was goofy songs and group singing

+ The whole evening was designed to be a kid friendly environment where little boys could run around like maniacs without some stern, sour face scolding them - and little girls, too

+ There were inter-generational games, GREAT FOOD and lots and lots of laughter

This is part of the emerging vision for our congregation - a place that is safe and loving and nurturing - and little by little this vision is taking hold. Clearly it is not for everyone: people who can't share space with children aren't comfortable and those who may take themselves too seriously often do not feel at home either. But folks who know how to laugh at themselves, enjoy the pure joy of little people playing games with their parents and grandparents and are willing to learn as well as share may find that this is a little part of what Jesus was talking about when he taught that we had to welcome God's realm like little children.

I think Carol Howard Merritt is on to something in her Tribal Church reflections. A summary of her book puts it like this:

Many churches are seeking ways to reach out to younger generations. Unfortunately this often manifests as either a “come be just like us!” attitude—suggesting an unwillingness to change in order to be inclusive of young people—or as a slick marketing campaign that targets young adults in much the same way secular advertising does. Both of these approaches often leave young adults feeling that their particular spiritual gifts and needs are unwanted by the church. “We only want you for your demographic” is the message given.

Carol Howard Merritt, a pastor in her mid-thirties, suggests a different way for churches to be able to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, she describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth. There are few places left in society that allow for real intergenerational connections to be made, yet these connections are vital for any church that seeks to reflect the fullness of the body of Christ.

Using the metaphor of a tribe to describe the close bonds that form when people of all ages decide to walk together on their spiritual journeys, Merritt casts a vision of the church that embraces the gifts of all members while reaching out to those who might otherwise feel unwelcome or unneeded. Mainline churches have much to offer young adults, as well as much to learn from them. By breaking down artificial age barriers and building up intentional relationships, congregations can provide a space for all people to connect with God, each other, and the world

Check her out at: http://tribalchurch.org/ I am really blessed and proud of the folks who pulled THIS year's harvest dinner off - it was a total blessing and total blast.

Our next BIG event will be our Thanksgiving Eve gig - Wednesday, November 25th - and I just got word today that TWO of the coolest local musicians are going to join the soiree! I am so psyched - and after tonight it is clear that we need to add a few kids songs to the mix - to keep the groove going!