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Rector's Blog
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
I have encountered recently two parishioners who have told me about conversations they have overheard with their friends. Here's the scene, a scene that has been repeated a number of times:
Parishioner with Friend Number 1, Friend Number 1 talking to Friend Number 2:
Friend Number 1: So what have you been up to lately?
Friend Number 2: Well, actually I'm looking for a church. I'm having trouble finding a place that 'feels right.'
Friend Number 1: Yougottagotosttimsitssocool! The music is great! The people are friendly! The website is cool. They even pod-caste! The place is just perfect!
Later, Parishioner with Friend Number 1.
Parishioner: Hey, if you think St. Tim's is so good, how come you don't go?
Friend Number 1: Oh, I just don't need church in my life right now.
This scenario has been related to me several times recently. I got to thinking. If people do not go to church because "they don't need church in their life right now," what happens when you know what hits the fan and suddenly they are in desperately need of a supportive community that draws life and vitality from Jesus?
Some people learn the hard way. People of faith practice community building spiritual disciplines because they know there is always someone around who needs them.
And then, when the wheel turns and they are suddenly "in need of church right now." They have it. Faith is about time invested in the lives of others. Following Jesus is, in part, about logging in the time.
What makes this so hard to understand?
This seems to be something the emerging generation has never learned. I wonder when, if ever, they will ever learn it?
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