June 29th, 2008 – Coming Down from the Mountain

Father Al was the presiding minister today. David led the music with Kim and Spiritworks Team Grace performed the volunteer work.

Obviously is a selection in what to write with each entry about worship. The natural tendency is to choose what is unique. As I look back on the current entries since Pastor Dayle’s sabbatical there is a more focus on the sermons than usual.

Father Al’s sermon today celebrated the humanness of Peter and Paul and what the faith and belief has accomplished in the course of the church’s history with those who are part of the church. He mentioned current headline stories, the Mississippi overrunning, wildfires in California and the problems with the election in Zimbabwe and a local boy missing on the Sandy River.

Such news could overwhelm us with futility but Father Al reminded us millions have joined together to fight the floods, firemen and volunteers are fighting fires and many nations are working to force change in Zimbabwe while still finding ways to help those in need in the country.

Father Al encouraged us to tell our stories, to work with our Spiritworks teams to draw closer together and to work in community rather than isolation.

It was a strong sermon that made me reflect on how the ways God’s work is done in the world. The relationship between community and the individual is complex. I write this alone but I also write to you as a community. Does that make it a communal activity because of my intended audience? Should I share more of myself or try to keep as objective a record as I can of what took place in worship?

Father Al seemed to struggle with this a bit behind the words of his sermon as well. He had just come down from the mountain of his family cabin where he had worked alone to prepare for a celebration where many would be invited.

I look forward to his next sermon.