As I sat down to write this article, I struggled for a
while, trying to decide on the correct title.
I was wavering between, "What do I want?" and, "What do I
need?". As you can see, I
eventually landed on the latter question, influenced mostly by my
self-understanding that I want
a lot of things...things that tend to be frivolous or superficial...while the
things I need are few but
essential to a good life. That
difference between what I want and what I need has become more important as I
get older and perhaps a bit wiser.
Two things I think I need are relationships and
community. I'm pretty certain that I
can't live a good life and be happy without being in relationship and being in
community. That sounds simple and
straightforward; in fact, it's more complicated and difficult to achieve than
say, having a big new home or an expensive, flashy car. Relationships and community - good ones - are
rarer than diamonds.
The community I'm searching for is a lot like First
United Church, with a few differences.
The differences would be minor in scope but significant in impact. For instance, there would be more people to
share my enthusiasm for a communal table - preparing food together, sitting
down to eat, engaging in discussion, spending unhurried time together. I'm not talking about grand dining, just
simple, thoughtful meals taken in the company of people who share (or perhaps don't
share) common ground. Another difference
would be more people who are engaged, who see themselves as partners, co-workers
and activists in the grand project of putting faith into action; that would
mean lending their muscle, mind and heart to give meaning to our vision of
becoming an open and welcoming community led by the Love of God. A third difference in this community I need
would be a prevailing sense of energy, determination and hope. The community would be infused with the
conviction that, God being our helper, there's much we can do to build "a
house where love can dwell, and all can truly live."
Over the next weeks and months, we are all going to
have an opportunity to think about and respond to questions about the sort of
community of faith we need and want.
It's important work that we need to do individually and together. You've read what I need...I'd like to hear
what you need.
Pat
