Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thursday Night: Stevie Cameron and Peter Wyatt
The opening session tonight (June 19th) includes a call-in conversation on the question, "Should the United Church throw in the towel?" Some people think its discouraging to even have a national event that would ask such a question. Yet, in my experience, many people in congregations are uncertain and fearful about the future of their church and the church. I say, face it head on! We need not fear questions. People, especially Canadians and United Church people are resilient and resourceful if they have the chance to face things. If we attend to one another and the Christ who is present when the church gathers, we can face our fears and find encouragement in the spirit that birthed the church. In my own view we aught to hear a resounding "No!" to the question. God is clearly changing the church, rather than throw in the towel, why not take hands and join in the great work or restoration and redemption that is afoot in our day! If you want concrete signs just have a look at the workshop rhoster! See you at the event!
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4 comments:
Hi, Rob...
I've blogged my thoughts on how the "Throw in the Towel" discussion (and other parts of the event!) effected me at
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Christ's peace - r
Awesome discussion! It was a bit depressing at first! Our small group of three were confused, saddened, frustrated and encouraged all at the same time. One was very upset about the statement that we needed to think beyond the building... but after the session the next morning, it made complete sense and ignited a fire within her.
Should the United Church throw in the towel? Yes! BUT... only if you're not truly going to be an inclusive and welcoming church. If you're willing to be accepting of all people (training may be necessary!!!!), then keep the towel, but perhaps give it some embroidery, dye it, or something! We need to revisit our old ways and move into the 21st century. Truly, we could benefit from some workshops on multiculturalism on a personal level and how to understand and accept (including learning a word or two like "hello" and "thank you" in a few languages)... and I hope there may be something available soon!!!!
A comment on Stevie's discussion on outreach:
Thank you! I believe we needed to hear and be reminded that there are people who need our help... even if we don't want to help! As Christians, we are called to be out there, seeking those in need, and moving beyond our comfort zone.
Bang on Rob! The team did a fabulous job of creating and organizing this entire conference. The speakers were top-notch! Though we attended with hopes of helping our church, it has transformed some of our ways of thinking and our hearts... which we hope to pass on to leaders in our church. THANK YOU and AMEN!
On the Thursday night, I was uncomfortable with how the term “preferential option for the poor” was used by two callers. Back in the ‘80s, I returned from working as a volunteer with a United Church mission partner in Central America, very excited about “preferential option for the poor.” In a context where the majority of the population lived in poverty, it was an incredibly powerful message. It was exciting to see people understanding that the Gospel gave them power over their lives. But it’s quite another thing when you preach “preferential option for the poor” in our Canadian context, to our primarily middle class United Church congregations. I think what our folks have then heard is that God loves the poor and for the rest of us, God doesn’t love us as much. It’s a debilitating message when we want to be empowering our people with the Gospel’s transforming message.
Does God love us any less because we live in a comfortable home and have food on our table? No, God loves us through and through. God, however, does expect much from us – and key to that is looking out for the poor. As Luke’s Gospel says “To whom much is given, much is expected.” We all need to know we are beloved of God, no matter our social status. In fact, what we know is that at the deepest part of self-centredness is the lack of self-esteem, the lack of loving oneself. When we know we are beloved in God, then it’s much easier for us to love another.
The congregation I serve has a strong ministry with the poor in our area. But we’re also reaching out to the middle class folks in our area. We’ve been grateful for the work of Emerging Spirit. It’s taught us much about how we use technology and the internet, how we promote our congregation and how we communicate our beliefs and the work of the United Church. We’re seeing results because of Emerging Spirit’s work.
Thank you Shelly for your thoughtful comments about how context affects our understanding of a "preferential option for the poor". It is encouragement and empowerment that is needed, and shame doesn't do much for that, but loving foregiveness does!
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