This afternoon at church we celebrated St. Francis Day by blessing the animals of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and St. Alban’s Episcopal Churches here in Chattanooga. It was a great time of coming together as two faith communities in the city to worship and fellowship. We also enjoyed a meal together. It was a lot of fun.
I hear some folks say as long as they have God/Creator they don’t need community or church or anything like that. I am here to say God/Creator has put people in your lives to go through the journey with. No one is an island and you need to be in a place where you can get support and care. Having a place where you can find spiritual roots can only help you grow. Yes you can encounter the divine in nature but the challenge is to encounter it on a city street or in traffic. Doing faith alone is a true challenge but doing with people who might be a little annoying can be a greater experience that will help you get through all seasons of ones life.
It’s a true gift to be in community with a body of believers who are from all across the spectrum of life and experience. Opening the doors wider is better for everyone. Right now the people of the world need to know about a love that never ends. As a person of faith I am committed to being a part of that community that makes connections with people where they are and who they are. Diversity in gift and spirit makes this whole thing work. To God be the glory. May the peace of the Lord be with all people. Thank you St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga for being that place.
Boldly go, is a mission statement.
Prince of Peace, be in the hearts of those bearing witness to your abundant love. Transform the hearts of those who hate and grant all the peace that passes understanding. So be it… Rev. Dr. Karla Kincannon
When you have a mountain top experience and you see something change before your eyes it can be a moving spiritual experience. Transformation or transfiguration is something that blows your mind in such a way that you kind of bask in the light that shines from it all.
The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported in the New Testament when Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain. In many Christian traditions this event is celebrated yearly as a feast day.
Encountering the divine in such a way adds comfort, peace and a desire to rest there. However that is not where life is meant to be lived. You have to take the experience of the mountain to sustain you and keep you through the dark times in the valley below.
No matter your faith there are moments and places that give you comfort and renewal. Celebrate those times when you find yourself transformed a little and may you find comfort to get you through life.
The Tony Burgess Blog 