Church...Alternative and Otherwise

Born out of bewilderment, grief and anger, the book group has met monthly for over thirty years now becoming a family of faith and foundation, one for all and all for one.
They were among the best and the brightest in our church. Young families, aspiring professionals and at home moms, educated, faith seeking, willing to work for the kingdoms sake within and without the walls of Kathwood Baptist Church. Their creativity was matched by their commitment and it was an honor to be a part of their community. Other darker forces were at work within those walls, however, and eventually they drove Michael to resign suddenly and without warning leaving a hole of anger and grief among the group we loved so dearly.
This gifted group of individualists, bound together by experience, did their thing with flair, style and grace. Once a month they meet in a home, share a meal, discuss the book under consideration, check in on how everyone is doing and church happens. They have reared their children together worrying over all who have gone astray and rejoicing in their return home. When illness comes knocking at the door, they show up right behind the doctors. They laugh (a lot), they cry when necessary, they stay open to the possibilities of God in their midst and they are the Family of God for each other. I grieve the loss of our being a part of this community but I celebrate their wit and wisdom, their continuing commitment to God’s work, and their gracious inclusion of us in the family circle.
Pastor Pat preached from Mark a Sunday or so ago, told the story of Jesus and the disciples attempting to flee the crowds for some rest and relaxation by boat. The folks saw where they were going and ran on ahead. Others joined them and by the time the boat docked, there was no rest for the weary. Jesus must have caught a nap in the boat because he didn’t have a hissy fit at the sight of the multitudes of seekers. He waded into the water of all those souls in need and did his thing with flair, style and grace. Pat reminded us St. Augustine said we are restless until we find God. And when we find God, she said, sometimes we need to run ahead so we might be in place to touch God when She shows up.
The book group ran on ahead. Not waiting for God to come back to the same old place, they ran ahead to a new spot along the shore and God showed up every month for thirty years in the laughter and tears, the learning and lessons of Life creating a place of healing and hope for those who gathered there.
Thanks be to God for the steadfast love that binds us together. When all else fails, it calls us to run ahead, to keep on keeping on, to not forget and not give up, to go where we need to go to be healed. Help us run and not be weary, Lord, when you whistle from afar off calling us home before the night falls. May it be so, please?