Jody's Journal
August 16, 2007
Dear Family and Friends at the Kirk,
I hope that you, like me, have been enjoying the variety
of worship services this summer. I was sorry to have missed
the Gospel Sunday featuring the special singing of the Master's
Men. This Sunday's service will have a contemplative theme.
This will be a time to experience the presence of God in an
atmosphere of peace and rest. In recent years, many have discovered
this to be a powerful way to draw near to our God. I think
of a classic quote from St. Augustine—“O Lord, you
have made us for yourself. Our hearts are restless until they
find rest in you.” This is a Sunday to “rest”
in the Lord.
As we have experienced the variety of services, I am reminded
of what someone called, “spiritual pathways.” A
spiritual pathway has to do with the way we most naturally
sense God’s presence and experience spiritual growth.
There are several identified pathways: intellectual, relational,
serving, worship, activist, creation and contemplative. The
theory helps us understand why some people like contemplative
worship and others prefer contemporary. It helps us understand
why some of your fellow church members are passionate about
small groups while others are passionate about service to
the poor. It may help explain why different people are drawn
to different activities in the life of the church or even
to different congregations. Where we get into trouble, it
seems to me, is when we think our pathway is the only pathway
to God. Instead, we have a great opportunity to grow as we
are open to new ways to experience God’s presence. We
can also rejoice in the many different ways people find their
connection with God.
As summer draws to a close we have been working hard on
the fall ministries at the Kirk. I’m looking forward
to Kick Off Sunday on August 26 when a new Sunday School year
begins. It’s a great time to join a class if you are
not a part of one. I’m very encouraged by the registration
for the Disciple Bible Study. At the time of this writing,
there are a few spaces open for the Wednesday evening class
only. I’m especially excited about the new Wednesday
Night Live starting September 5. It will be a time to share
a meal with fellow members of the family. Many will want to
stay for one of several classes being offered. See the details
in the newsletter. I think you’ll enjoy it.
The Long Range Planning Committee has resumed their weekly
meeting. The conversations of the summer are beginning to
come to a close. I want to thank those who took the time to
read the goals and share comments with the committee. I encourage
you to read the goals and comments on the website. September
8 is the next big date when we select the strategic goals
that will provide vision and direction for us in the coming
years. I am looking forward to that meeting. Elders and key
leaders of ministries are especially asked to attend and any
member of the congregation will be welcomed.
Every week I am grateful for the many volunteers and leaders
who give their time and energy to the ministry at the Kirk.
As the song says, the church is not a building the church
is people. Thank you to all who make this a healthy and happy
place to serve.
Grace and Peace,
Jody
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