Something's happening here...

As a part of my reflections on being called to this faith community five years ago (yesterday), I started to think about some of what's happening here.  (How did Buffalo Springfield put it:  there's something happening here...?) To my mind I see a fascinating burst of creativity taking place in this faith community on a number of levels. It is often outside the box, to be sure, but always grounded in a high albeit edgy Christology. 

One expression that is starting to make an appearance takes the form of original music created and shared by a variety of people in the congregation.  One the last Sunday of this month ~ a Fifth Sunday experiment in community/inter-generational worship ~ three different songs by church members will be a part of our liturgy.  Each is insightful, vulnerable and musical, too.

+ One, by Brian, was at the core of our Good Friday 2012 gathering:  "Broken World" is a multi-rhythmic lament that  begins with a panorama of a modern crucifixion only to be resolved in a chorus/prayer of hope ~ whose gonna heal this broken world - he's gonna heal us: Jesus!  It is a song that grows out of our worship/study life.  It honors the tension we know between finding Jesus is "the least of these our sisters and brothers" and living into our calling to respond as the body of Christ.

+ Another, by Dick, was his response to our Play-Full Living class:  he shared it a few weeks ago during our poetry segment and calls it"Sometimes I'm Not Sure." It is a gentle folk song that tenderly expresses what it feels like to sometimes be at rest in God's love only to experience uncertainty and confusion later.  To me, it is a beautiful confession about the way faith and doubt weave in and through one another in our ordinary lives.

+ And then there is Don's children's song:  He calls it "Z Y X W V U ..... The Upside Down World of God" in honor of the counter-cultural vision and values of Jesus.  Don is fun, inventive and deeply committed to helping young people connect with God's grace.

Now there are other things happening here, too (and perhaps I'll be able to give shape and word to them as the week unfolds) but for today let me note:  we are currently sharing what it means to practice hospitality within our community.  It begins with safety and trust. It ripens to not only honor and encourage some members to use their gifts creatively, but helps them experience the presence of God by doing so. To be sure, my commitment to doing theology through the arts has also been embraced - hence some of this music and visual arts - but without a culture of appreciation and respect, I sense the fruit of the Spirit would not be so abundant, yes?  The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely... Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Many people feel that this has become a home for their vision and creativity - it is NOT just for the professionals - so they are willing to work hard at making their offering beautiful. And that is another important factor:  taking time to craft something of integrity and beauty. 

Not every idea - or song concept or work of art - needs to be shared, right?  If we want to give our best to the Lord, that takes work - and practice - and editing and so much more.  Not everyone understands that, of course. 

Last year there was a person who just wanted to show up on Sundays and sing with the choir without any practice.  When I suggested that the creation of beauty needed care and time to ripen, this soul was offended and announced:  "Well, I just don't have the time for practice."  To which I had to say:  "Well, we all have to make choices - because we already have all the time that there is - so while I will respect your choices until you can make the time for practice you won't be able to sing on Sunday with us."  Not a happy camper, but come on!  (Such is another aspect of trying to embrace the counter-cultural commitments of Christ's community: this isn't a spiritual supermarket, it is a faith community.)

And because we're a faith community, we also have to find ways to encourage EVERYONE to join in the creativity.  So, a few times each year we put together an Ad Hoc Gospel choir that meets for practice after worship for about a month: any and every one can join in this:  the young, the old, the talented, the tone-deaf and everybody in between. We often have an open invitation to display the congregation's visual arts at these events, too.  In this, there is space and encouragement to grow in personal creativity and comfort while being a part of the body of Christ.

I am genuinely excited to hear the songs my friends have created.  Their music will accent and bracket the wisdom and experience of others who will be talking about how they have come to experience the presence of God in justice work, mission, education, family life and business, too.  This should be a gas!