May/June 2011
The congregation is about to begin an intentional process of discernment. I urge you to read the articles that follow describing why and when this will occur. I believe this is one of the most important decisions that the Church Council could make. It challenges us – me - to move beyond a “just do it” way of living to pause and seek God’s will. For many of us, given our hectic day-to-day life styles combined with a natural tendency toward activity, stopping to listen to God is not a first choice. This is true even though doing so has benefits for us individually and as a congregation. It only makes sense that hearing God direct us could (if we let it) have a positive impact on our own lives, our corporate life and the world. For our congregation, having unity concerning our purpose is essential. That’s why now and in the days to come I will be strongly encouraging every member to be a part of the discernment process on which we are embarking. Doing so will not only help give clarity to our congregation, but will make options clearer for each individual. I do, however, have to add a warning. If we truly seek God’s will with open minds, God may lead us in directions that are totally different than we anticipated. This process certainly is NOT about receiving God’s rubber stamp of approval on what I want, but is about our accepting what God wants. Indeed, may the Holy Spirit open our minds and hearts as we discern together!!!
