RE-JOICE

We church folks often urge people to ‘Rejoice!’ especially during Advent, Christmas and Easter. Anne Lamotte* wonders why we do this, when most of us haven’t even been ‘joiced’ in the first place! Her wisdom is worth taking to heart. Too often we walk around burdened by the awfulness in the world. Too often we take everything, including ourselves, too seriously. Too often we see the glass as half-empty and fall into whining and complaining. In short – we act like we never have been truly, deeply ‘joiced’!

The past few weeks at Christ Church have been a time of visioning and planning and discernment. – and maybe, just maybe – a time of ‘joicing’. You have shared your particular love for Christ Church and your hopes and dreams and prayers for the future. MANY people have been a part of this work – the Transition Team, the Leadership Needs Committee, the Consistory and all of the people who attended a focus group, filled out a survey and/or participated in our Day of Discernment on July 14^th.

I have watched and listened intently as you have worked to name those things that are meaningful and life-giving for you personally. I have experienced your stepping back to think about the whole congregation and to prayerfully consider where God might be leading you. In church circles, we call this ‘discernment’ – doing the impossible – trying to know the mind of God.

What I have learned is that when we deeply listen to each other and intently listen for God’s calling, we are ‘joiced.’ The Spirit moves among us and we find new energy and new commitment and new joy that comes with being part of this part of the Body of Christ. So, as we continue this sacred work, I invite you all to get ‘joiced’. And when Advent comes….The Rejoicing will abound!

Share your comments on the blog site – let others know what ‘joices’ you at Christ Church!

Blessings – Laura Lee

*Anne Lamott is a popular writer and author of Traveling Mercies, Plan B, Grace Eventually  and many other books.