I spent some time in January reading the 11 issues of last year’s Record. Perhaps it was the frame of mind I was in but I noted a narrative that echoed from issue to issue. I’d like to share a few moments that made me stop and ponder.
“Rest and respond. Take time to be quiet again, resting and waiting in God’s presence.”
—Spiritual Disciplines, June, Phil Reinders.
“John Calvin viewed the means of grace primarily as word and sacrament. For me, when it comes to defining what I mean by means of grace, I have to confess I am more influenced by the other John (gasp!). John Wesley spoke of the means of grace as the way through which God works in deepening, strengthening and encouraging faith. The person of faith was expected to develop habits in practising the means of grace so as to open one’s heart and life to God’s working.”
—For the Journey, October, David Webber.
“Sometimes I fear we’ve lost a whole generation of Eldads and Medads, people who speak words we need to hear, from outside the boundaries we work so hard to maintain. … They had good reason to believe they were insiders, wherever they stood when the spirit fell on them. After all, God didn’t stay inside the lines.”
—Progressive Lectionary, June, Laurence DeWolfe.
“We tend to think of hope as only future – focused and as goal oriented … And what this person helped me see is there are also all sorts of other ways to recognize hope … So like the emphasis on meaning: a life lived as meaningful points to hope. Even survival … just surviving, just breathing, the idea that breath itself speaks of life’s possibilities.”
—The Horizon of Hope, July/August, Pamela McCarroll.
“Not everything that’s religious is Christian. The prophets of the Old Testament are railing against religion most of the time. Religion is their main topic of criticism. They’re not there to support and keep religion going. No, they want God to be heard, not the religious authorities. So how can we help people in the pews to distinguish between these religious things that they’re hanging on to … and faith?”
—What Time Is It, May, Douglas John Hall.
“The Spirit moves, God blesses, Jesus reconciles and it is up to us to constantly renew our relationships, because, in the end, Church is an organic thing—it grows and dies, it has seasonal shifts, and yet, it is always alive and breathing. It can be overwhelming, but we have a lot of help in prayer if we want it, and the ride is a lot of fun.”
—Defining Church, April, Andrew Faiz.
“At dinner our family asks some version of, what was the best part of your day? Where did you feel really good? What was the hardest part of your day? When did you struggle or feel sad?”
—Spiritual Disciplines, November, Phil Reinders.
“What if we shared glimpses of God in our lives the same way we share recipes for the perfect cupcake? Each of us has little moments in our days, times when a line from scripture or a sermon will surface and make ripples, when we will experience a moment of grace, or when God will give us a smack upside the head. It can be a great encouragement to know others have similar experiences, and it’s always good to know there are people who can and will support you and the world with prayer. In an age of digital communication, I think we should take a page from Paul. When we’re not gathered together in person, let’s keep in touch.”
—We Are the Church, February, Connie Wardle.
