|
Greetings!
I don’t generally like to turn “my” space in this newsletter over to advertising, but I did want to mention a commercial I saw recently that caught my attention. It’s a snack-food ad that was supposed to be aired on Super Bowl Sunday but was pulled because it might be offensive to somebody somewhere. Have you seen it? A rector and a priest are desperately worried about the fact that their flock is getting smaller and smaller, and ask for divine help. That help comes in the form of inspiration (godly? maybe not...) that leads the rector to advertise that Holy Communion will consist of Doritos and Pepsi Max. This being an ad, the gimmick works, and the “faithful” line up around the block to be nourished.
I truly believe that we ought to be worried about religions that don’t allow for self-directed laughter, and I can’t believe the ad was really all that offensive. I’m thinking the reason it was pulled has more to do with the fact that it hits a little too close to home for many of us. We recognize that all types of religious groups are facing membership decline (yes, even the mega-churches! ~ as are fraternal and service organizations and even bowling leagues). Churches sometimes hit upon and idea that might save them, so to speak, and the line between being in this world but not of this world gets blurred.
Our congregation is in the midst of a significant discussion about our future. As a tiny worshipping congregation with an enormous physical plant and reasonably high operating costs, we’d be foolish not to pay attention to how we can move from survival mode into a place where our ministry can really thrive. And though I doubt we’ll be moving to a snack-chip communion anytime in my lifetime, it is worth thinking about ways that we can bring our message ~ a message of grace and life and hope for which I truly believe people are hungering ~ to a broader audience.
It’s the perfect time for us to be doing this. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, falls on February 22 this year. Lent is a holy season of introspection and faith deepening. It’s the perfect time to ask deep questions and really listen for answers, to sing songs in minor key and to recognize that resurrection doesn’t happen without crucifixion.
Our approach to Lent this year will include practical questions about the efficacy of our ministry together. It will also include opportunities for spiritual growth through worship on Sundays and a weeknight devotional group. I’ll be purchasing copies of “Give It Up!” ~ a book of daily devotional readings published by the Pilgrim Press / Still Speaking Writers’ Group. We haven’t yet landed on a schedule of meetings, but please let me know if a) you want me to order a book for you ($6 per book) and b) what evening would be good for your schedule if you’d like to join us.
It is my hope that we’ll all be listening closely for the nudgings of the Spirit that will help us along our journey together, that we might grow into the congregation that our world needs at such a time as this.
yours in peace, Susie
|
