The Ministry of Reconciliation
Thursday, October 26, 2006
How easy is it for us to feel alienated and out of place in this world? I'd say that many of us carry around such a feeling a lot of the time. The world today only increases the sense of estrangement: Fast-paced, heavy on technology, increasingly individualistic ... is it any wonder that we feel like strangers in a strange land?
The world is a sinful place. There's just no getting around that. Our individual sin drives us away from the healing that relationship with God and neighbor can offer. We willfully seek out our own way, convinced that we know what is best for us (despite the fact that our human will leads us to unhappiness time and time again). In such a situation, Christian people are called to be in the church. We are called away from our isolation and loneliness and into the one covenant community that can truly sustain us.
Emily and I witnessed one such community this past Sunday. I write about it in this week's column in the United Methodist Reporter.
Have you witnessed a community of reconciliation and hope that was particularly powerful? I'd love to hear about it.
The world is a sinful place. There's just no getting around that. Our individual sin drives us away from the healing that relationship with God and neighbor can offer. We willfully seek out our own way, convinced that we know what is best for us (despite the fact that our human will leads us to unhappiness time and time again). In such a situation, Christian people are called to be in the church. We are called away from our isolation and loneliness and into the one covenant community that can truly sustain us.
Emily and I witnessed one such community this past Sunday. I write about it in this week's column in the United Methodist Reporter.
Have you witnessed a community of reconciliation and hope that was particularly powerful? I'd love to hear about it.
posted by Andrew C. Thompson at 12:08 AM
4 Comments:
Dear Andrew,
I have never commented on a "blog"site before. Here goes:
I am an administrative assistant for a DS in the United Methodist Church. I am also interested in the hospitality that we as Christians fail to demonstrate. A hospitality that would show and bring more into the church facility and then into the arms of Christ. A couple of years ago I dressed as an elderly lady and visited my own church. No one recognized me and no one welcomed me. It truly opened my eyes. Thank you for your article. I only wish more could read it. Blessings to you.
Yes I certainly do agree with you, Andrew, that feeling alienated is an easy trap to fall into however I disagree that individuality is a cause. Contrarily, I see conformality (is that a real word?) as the problem, to wit; unless we follow along with everyone else, go with the latest fad, do what's "trendy," all in the name of "just to fit in," we are left out. We buy expensive things to impress people that we don't even like!
I say there should be even more emphasis on individuality. I used to worry about what other people think and so I would try everything I could to make them like me when all I really needed to do was just be myself. After all, who's opinion of you matters more mine or yours?
Andrew, thank you for your words...it's great to hear about a church that is truly making strides for reconciliation. A few years ago, I participated in an Americorps program in Minneapolis (you helped me get there!) at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. I was shocked when I read your article in the Reporter about the church you and Emily visited because it sounds *exactly* like what I experienced at Park Ave. UMC. I used to think that type of church only existed in Minnesota.....but thanks to you, I'm reminded that God is at work throughout all the lands! Anyway, you can check out Park Avenue UMC at http://www.parkavechurch.org/. Let me know if you ever want to go visit the church....I'll be on the first flight out!
Sending good prayers your way!
Carolyn - Thanks for you comment. I hope this first comment of yours is only the first of many!
Sarah - Suddenly, my heart is strangely warmed. Grace and peace to you, sista.
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