Although
this is our second year of being at two services, I still sense a certain
anxiety from some members about having two services. I have heard people comment, “that we no
longer feel like a family”, or “we wont
know everyone.” I understand that this
change can be challenging, and I believe both those statements are true.
However I believe they have been true for a long time, well before we went to
two services. I believe if we are to
fulfill our vision and mission we need to change how we think about our
Congregation Life and face what are our real concerns.
It is true it will be hard to know
everyone if there are two services. I would contend that even when there was
only one service, we really don’t know everybody. Worship time is not the time
when we get to know someone deeply. I am
hoping you are not busy talking during the service but listening and
contemplating. I assume those I see on
their smart phones in service are tweeting to the world about our service and
not playing games or chatting with friends.
We don’t know someone merely by sitting in the same room with them. We
get to know others by spending intentional time with them. If you have not seen
someone recently that you know, give them a call and plan to get together with
them.
We usually get to know new people deeply at
the Congregation through our interactions with them in the many other programs
of the Congregation. If you want to know others that you do not know well, then
I encourage you to participate on a team, a connection circle, a social justice task force, one of our
various fellowship events, or attend one
of the many adult religious education classes.
If you want to see old friends, or meet new people there is always the
opportunity to meet during the coffee time between services or after the second
service. Building deep relationships require intentionality. That is true
whether there is one or more services.
I would agree we are not like a
family. Other than my nuclear family, I only see some of my family once or maybe
twice a year. In a family, many members often do not make an intentional choice
to be part of the family. I would say
what we are creating is an intentional religious community, not a family.
We are here to come together to walk with each other on our religious
journey. Our mission asks us as part of
that religious journey to embrace searches for meaning and to devote ourselves
to community good. People have continued to come to this Congregation for generations
because it provides meaning to them and their family’s lives. If this Congregation is meaningful to you why
would you not want to share our religious message with others in the Quad
Cities. Families can become insular, religious community should be expansive. Sharing
our message will allow us to achieve the part of our mission which asks us to
be vibrant and welcoming. Many of us would not be here if not for our welcoming
theology. Let us make it easier, not harder for others to feel welcomed here.
Despite what I have said above, I
am cognizant that this change is difficult for some of you. I am, as I have
always been, here to listen to your concerns.
If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to make an
appointment to see me. If you have
specific questions about the two services, I will also be available between
services and after the second service in the lounge on Sunday November 3rd.
Let us work together to find solutions
to build this religious community based on our highest values and as our best
selves.
with a grateful heart
Rev. Jay
