Thursday, August 19, 2010
As I finished this book, I was struck by something profound Nora says in the chapter, Pentecost. As they prepare for their workshop on homosexuality, Mark, their priest questions where the church as been as people grapple with divorce, birth control, homosexuality and other issues. And both Mark and Nora suggest this is how the church has become irrelevant in so many people's lives. Because it is "standing on the sidelines or insisting on rigid standards while a whole generation dealt with sudden sexual liberation and confusion." I think this is a fascinating observation. And the process as this church tries to decide whether to call a homosexual pastor is another issue churches grapple with as well.
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I agree she brings to light an interesting perspective. I enjoyed her descriptive style of writing. There were times I actually got the sense of being in the situation with her. For example, the way she described the meeting when the vestry decided to call Mark.
I was crying when her friend Lois died, thinking of people who were dear to me in church who have died. How much they were part of the community and how much they are missed. She made me think of how people struggle when they are around loved ones who are dying. Always afraid to confront the truth and allow them to discuss it. You're right Kim, the further I read into the book, the more I felt like I was part of her "community."
You have to wonder to what degree the church's sideline approach lead to the decline of membership in mainline churches and the rise in popularity of the nondenominational churches.
And yet, the Lutheran church continues to struggle with these issues. Of course, look how many churches still do not ordain women. I do think it is a major reason people don't feel like they can "bring my whole self to church," as someone says in the book.
Do you know much about the labyrinth one of our vicar's designed? She made many references to how comforting walking the labyrith was for her. It has me curious.
I thought the comment by Robert was also interesting when he says, "... to have a cultural Christianity or a committed Christianity." Do you go to a nice church without any commitment, or do you go to a committed church that challenges people?
We attended the dedication of the labyrith because Kate donated money to the fund. The vicar talked a lot about the history and how many faiths have used a labyrith to help people focus on their faith. It's in a peaceful location. There's also one at Nawakwa (I think someone told me).
Her congregation seems so involved not only in their outreach to the community at large, but also to challenging the members to grow in all aspects of their faith.
They do seem to know each other very intimately. And everyone seems to pitch in to help in a variety of ways. They don't have a large staff to do many of the things. My sister's church is that way.
There is something very refreshing about their approach.
Are you ready to start the new book? I think it was easier to manage this book than the last one with a chapter a month. Have you picked up "Take This Bread" yet? I bought it went I bought some of the others so I'm ready to go!
I like the format we used this summer. I ordered the next book the other day. Thanks for all your efforts!
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