By: Bethany Davey
During our most recent Worship Commission meeting, someone* reflected on the ways our community is connected in purpose. Their reflection led me to consider what we do and how we are connected on purpose, in service to a shared sense of community and call.
So much of what we do as a church community is on purpose, intentional, meant to deepen our sense of connection to God, to one another and to the many communities with whom we engage. The Worship Commission brainstorms, discerns and brings into being our community worship series on purpose. To participate in the creation of even a singular Sunday worship service is to participate in such on purpose-ness: each Sunday gathering is the result of the imagination, enactment and commitment of many people. During our monthly Cookie Sundays, we enjoy the fellowship of one another on purpose, as we converse over the delicious bounty lovingly arranged and organized by those on the Community Life Commission. Our youth and adult Sunday school class curriculums and topics are chosen by the Christian Education Commission on purpose, in reflection of the current needs and interests of our vibrant community. Our Shepherding Commission flexibly and tenderly responds to the ever-changing needs and circumstances of our congregation on purpose. The Facilities Commission assesses and cares for the needs of the church building with the intentional kindness and responsibility one would offer a living being. The Leadership Team purposefully acts with mindful focus on CMC’s “big picture” while simultaneously discerning our community’s in-the-now path. Our SHARE team connects the congregation and community on purpose, ensuring that the passion within our congregation webs within and beyond ourselves. Our Response Team engages with clarity and intentionality as needed. Our Accessibility Advocates prioritize the vitality of our whole community, as they purposefully evaluate and adjust our building and practices so that all of us can participate fully in our congregational life.
The descriptions of our commissions’ purposeful work are by no means exhaustive, and the on purpose engagement of our congregation is by no means limited to our Commissions. We are, while connected in shared purpose, routinely engaging one another on purpose in ways that weave the very fabric of who we are and who we become. Whether worshipping together, welcoming a guest into our housing unit, quilting, parading, talking, delivering meals or simply being, we are an on purpose community.
Connected with one another in purpose, we engage with one another on purpose. May we recognize God’s beloved community within, among and beyond us today.
*credit goes to Matt C. who likely didn't realize the ways that his reflections got my wheels spinning. Thank you, Matt!
**my apologies for the delayed blog post this week. Please be assured that my tardiness was not, in contrast to our communal practices, on purpose.
