This morning, en route to something entirely different, I came across it. It really wouldn't have done for holy joes at all, thanks to that rather grating rhyme, but as a wish-list for the church it does contain some good thoughts. Apparently it's by William J Crockett...who would be welcome to come and dream in my church any day.
If this is not a place where tears are understood
Where can I go to cry?
If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing
Where can I go to fly?
If this is not a place where my questions can be asked
Where do I go to seek?
If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard
Where do I go to speak?
If this is not a place where you will accept me as I am
Where can I go to be?
If this is not a place where I can try to learn and grow
Where do I just be me?
Where can I go to cry?
If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing
Where can I go to fly?
If this is not a place where my questions can be asked
Where do I go to seek?
If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard
Where do I go to speak?
If this is not a place where you will accept me as I am
Where can I go to be?
If this is not a place where I can try to learn and grow
Where do I just be me?
I'm so glad that it speaks of questions asked, but doesn't mention answers...that it recognises that sometimes all we can manage is to "try" to grow.
I wonder what agenda people brought to worship in your church yesterday, how many came struggling with burdens they didn't dare articulate. As I watch good, loving people work tirelessly in the service of St M's, I wonder what their dream for the church might be.
I wonder if I would have the courage to ask, if I were the one holding the "cure of souls" here.
I'm fearful that my dream and theirs might look very different, and it seems to me that holding a vision for their church is part of the role of the ordained minister - but that vision must be owned and never imposed.
Lots to wonder about, really, as I prepare to find a place to call my own.
7 comments:
I'm so excited for you as you discern 'where next?'
and I loved this poem esp
"If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing
Where can I go to fly?"
perhaps because I've been writing about the church rising up again
it won't be what we are used to (or perhaps even comfortable with ) but it will be wonderful
Our newsletter person was just putting out a call for "something for this month, please." Oh, I think I might have just the thing...thanks for finding and sharing!
Love the poem - thanks!
Kathryn -
I like the idea of holding a vision but not imposing it. Very aptly put.
On another note, does it ever scare you that people EXPECT you to give them answers to their questions?
Jonathan, it scares me witless! I've got very good at responses around the "this isn't THE answer, but it's an answer for today..." field.
Unless the question involves uncertainty about whether they are loved by God, for example...at that point I suddenly become super-confident :-)
Somewhere among the people is the vision, the calling, and it is indeed our job to help them hear it, not tell them what we think it ought to be.
I certainly concur on the confidence when people say God doesn't love them. SOmetimes it can well over a bit. 'OF COURSE GOD LOVES YOU, YOU IDIOT! CAN'T YOU FEEL THE LOVE?'
OK, actually that never happened!
;-)
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