This past Sunday, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our church building, had a wonderful visit by a member of our Future Initiatives Group, and a delicious pot luck lunch.
A few months ago, in our North American newsletter, it was announced that we were "expecting" company! This was very exciting. Then last Sunday, a messenger came saying that we could actually help to prepare for this company. Even more exciting!
I love having company. It galvanizes you into doing all the little things you can't seem to find time for on a day to day basis. It means washing windows, vacuuming, dusting, getting out the good china and crystal and polishing them up. It means planning the meal and putting out the welcome mat. And just maybe, changing a few small things around just to freshen things up - don't forget the fresh flowers, too!
We always love our potluck gatherings, because we never know exactly what people will bring. There is a variety of tastes and textures, and somehow it all comes together.
Today, the kitchen has replaced the living room in terms of where people want to gather and congregate. When you have company, everyone pitches in by bringing something for the meal or helping to prepare things. Although it is nice to be presented with a meal already prepared, it is even more satisfying when you have made some kind of contribution.
One of the things I love about our church is the space each individual is given to make their own decisions and exercise their own free will. No one is told exactly what they should do or say. We are each invited to explore our inner self and connection with the Divine.
We have reached a phase, though, where we can begin to find ways to bring outwardly what we have found inwardly. How can we do this?
Each contribution, or thought, adds to the "feast", and it becomes something more than the sum of its parts, in a very organic way.
My son is applying for a baking course at a local college, and on the application it asks, "Why do you want to take this course?" He answered, because I love to see the smile on someone's face when they taste something good.
Each Sunday, we come together to celebrate the sacrament of the Act of Consecration of Man. It is "feast", celebrating Life and Love. So this Sunday, bring your smiles, and help come celebrate, at a church where everyone's contribution is valued, respected and welcome!
Next blog: chemistry, love, marriage, and the whole ball of wax.
