As a former member of the United Methodist Church I am watching with care the proceedings at the called General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri regarding issues of sexuality and the denomination. This is not a easy time for the children of Wesley but its a time for decisions to be made for the future of their denomination. I support the inclusion, full participation and full access to sacramental rites of LGBTQ believers as I do in The Episcopal Church.
It is time that bold moves to build bridges, create opportunities and help everyone become a part of the life of the community of saints. There is opposition to inclusion and I realize that but I implore a spirit of openness, love and grace be upon those who will be leading this important conversation.
Religion and knowledge can work together to bring meaning to our lives. There shouldn’t be an adversarial relationship here. The more you know about your faith and the mechanics of the world can only make you a better person. It’s important to know that ones higher power has a lot to do with the chaos of creation.
This is inspired by the eulogy of a funeral I went to today.
Water is something that cleanses and renews. From water life begins anew. Baptism in water can bring people to a relationship with God. I find peace in water in a place like my parish. Water is holy.
Tonight I went to a gathering of folks who once belonged to the same church. We all have a shared experience in that place where we once worshiped and had fellowship. Church is a place of spiritual expression and faith so when one must leave a place of worship there are reasons why and that sometimes you have to change. I have done this more than on one occasion in my life and its never easy.
Sometimes you leave because of theological or philosophical reasons, those are tough. Leaving means you have to relocate because of life’s calling to live and work in another community. Some churches will hold homecoming observances that brings former members back for a special worship service. I haven’t been to one in quite some time. Reuniting is good when there is friendship and camaraderie outside the walls of the church house. In tonight’s gathering there was good food, conversation and more.
Leaving means finding yourself in a place where you can find yourself.
These three words are displayed at my chiropractor’s office and it got me to think about their meanings.
Patience…Good things come to those who wait. What we want isn’t always in our timing or control. Being a patient person isn’t easy but its necessary.
Live…We have to live every moment we can. Living is a risk, it’s dangerous and its worth it to keep on going no matter what adversity we face.
Faith…This is the hardest one because it calls on us believe in something. I think having faith in God, your neighbor, the universe what have you means having to hold close to something you can’t always see.
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