Wednesday, June 26, 2013

An Invitation Parish Wide- Eformation is Waiting

Forming and Informing Faith World Wide

"E Formations is on Fire"

This post begins with an ENORMOUS thank you first to the Parish of St. Thomas and the wisdom of it's leadership (yes that would be Father John and the Vestry) for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of the E formation Conference held over this last week end at Virginal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.  Second to Lisa Kimball, John Roberto and all the brilliant and loving people who built the experience.

It is very excting to know that we are in the midst of a movement that though it seems fast paced and ever changing is at the same time very stationary, positioned at the very center of our mission and calling as Christians.  It is dead bang on; a bullseye.

Before I elaborate on that thought let me set the stage.  People are gathered by the hundreds. They come from many denomination, cultures and geographic locations. Their roles vary; clery, church staff,  lay leaders,  parishioners. All together as one and they have two main things in common - they are seekers and followers.

The place was on fire.  Human desire to move mountains with the touch of a finger or in this case strokes of a keyboard.  Some may say this is impersonal or even lazy I say its genious. Genious inspired by the Holy Spirit.  As we moved from place to place the energy grew.  Connecting with each other, sharing ideas, asking the hard questions.  It takes a great plan to cultivate spontiaity. Yes, that's right a plan-.I watched people with a few items in common and many differences in toe (some would say baggage) agree and dissagree, embrace and reject all for a greater cause. At the end of the expierence we all know this: The plan  has already been laid out for us in Scripture. the creativity and spontieity comes with the delivery and the delivery comes from us.  It should be timely and reach the broadest base possible, while at the same time peak interest and curiousity and challenge the all senses and intellect. God created thiswithin us - we have the tools and now the technology.

 The concern I hear the most and that I also owned myself for a while is what about the personal contact.  We are one in Christ- a community like no other. This is the' no person left behind' iniative of the present day church. It is not meant to isolate it is meant to include, to reach out.

 While the whole weekend was amazing; two experiences touched me deeply. I invite you to share them with me at Supper Song & Prayer, soon
as we continue grow as a Parish from the inside out.
Peace,
Elaine

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