Small blessings: a safe place to be real

An interesting idea came to pass this afternoon:  about a year ago, one of our adult study groups read Jaco Hamman's A Play-full Life:  Slowing Down and Seeking Peace while another explored Parker Palmer's Healing the Heart of Democracy.  Both books suggested that one of the things a local congregation could do to advance the cause of peace was to hold a series of potlucks.  Churches already know how to do these really well - but there would be one change.  Rather than simply marking the season with a shared meal, each potluck would be dedicated to a theme - something that challenged us all to go deeper - with a guest presenter.  After a brief introduction, people would eat and discuss the theme of the day and share the highlights of their table talk.

I've been quietly pushing this idea for over a year and our first theme potluck took place right after this morning's worship.  Two local representatives from NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness (who are also members) - shared a little of their story and some resources.  Then the 25 people who gathered spent the next 45 minutes talking about how we might find new/old ways of breaking down the walls among us so that anyone who wanted would have a place at the table.  At the close, we shared a brief summary of our table talk.  Suggestions from the meal will be passed on to key ministries for implementation as the summer unfolds.  (For more information check them out @ http://www.nami.org/)

I was grateful for two things:  first, the number of people who stayed and participated at a deep level.  It was a stunning day after a long hot spell but we had a modest group of young and old people stay because they wanted to go deeper.  Second, some of our newest friends shared helpful insights with those of us who are now old-timers about ways we can become better at being an open and affirming church for all people.  It was humbling, but honest and very, very useful.

As in most things in life, today's potluck wasn't earth-shattering - but it was real.  And creating a safe place for deeper conversations about real things that matter is one of the time-tested ways people of faith grow and mature.  If things shake out well over the summer, I can see this changing the way we do Christian Formation for adults in the year to come.

Something else touched me today, too.  A woman who worships with us regularly told me before worship that as a child she would often play by literally saying parts of the Roman Catholic liturgy in Latin as she distributed Eucharist to her dolls.  (I think I got that part right...) We smiled but she continued saying, "So imagine my joy at realizing that today I was assigned to share the invitation to the Lord's Table in this morning's liturgy!"  The gifts of God for the whole people of God, indeed!

One more thing: by week's end, three different people had made a point of setting up a meeting with me to talk about deepening their commitment to our faith community. Church renewal in this era is NOT about marketing, nor is it about closing the deal or anything else but relationships.  I am grateful that over time, these folk have seen something in the community that draws them back even when we are less than attentive. Tonight I give thanks for the way the face of Jesus keeps showing up among us in the most unexpected ways...

credits
1) allenandrebeccapruitt.blogspot.com
2) www.fanpop.com
3) www.blessedisthekingdom.com