TOGETHER WE KNOW - Reflecting in this Time of Transition

I appeal to you therefore, siblings, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.   ---Romans 12: 1-2

 

Community is a vital resource of the early church. Followers of Jesus were people from a variety of groups who formed communities. Community members worked together to determine how they would be community and what their mission/purpose was in their time and place. Over the centuries, the church has faced many times of transition; transitions that have changed operating procedures, structures, practices, and community life. We are a church in transition.

 

“Together We Know’ is the title of our discernment process through this time of transition. The Holy Spirit works through community – where community members each add their voice and ideas; the options, hopes, and dreams that God’s creative spirit breathes through them. Together the pieces articulated are reflected on and talked about. The way to be God’s people in this time and place will become clear.

 

Transitioning requires the community to work together. Below is an activity you are asked to participate in, right away. You are invited to reflect on the following two components and send your thoughts to the church email: halifaxlutheranchurch@gmail.com

Answers can be in paragraphs or point form notes. If you prefer to talk rather than write, Pr. Kimber will gladly listen via phone.

 

1.       What Could Be-

…do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God

Write a paragraph describing Resurrection in 5 years time. What could be? What do you dream, where are we worshipping, what are we doing, what does the community look like and participate in…

 

2.       What my contribution will be-

…to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship.

For the church to be church there needs to be a community of people. What will your contribute to the community and working together to share God’s love with the world? Think about: your presence, time, talents/skills, resources.

 

Contributions will be gathered and shared in the next steps of ‘Together We Know.”

 

God, you so love the world, that not only did you create the world, you became incarnate in it through Jesus. Experiencing such love, transform each of us and this community of faith to be merciful, steadfast in love towards others, and open to discerning how to be community that shares your mercy and love for the healing of the world. Enter our hearts, discussions, and dreams as we determine what is good, acceptable, and perfect during this time of transition. Amen.