So we made it through "Wheels up" and I'm writing from a cybercafe in Glasgow, waiting for the train which will eventually lead to Iona. The trip was spent preparing my sermon for Syd Graham's parish on Iona tomorrow and reading a very interesting piece I tracked from Syd's lead by the Church of Scotland on their vision for the church in the 21st century. A few comments come quickly-
1. The Church of Scotland was and is the established church, which presents it with some unique challenges, but the language they use is very similar to the vocabulary that MPC will be tracing in their studies during this time--right down to Lauren Mead!
2. The report can be boiled down to two words the roll of the church in the world in the 21st century is to FOLLOW CHRIST. As is so often the case, "application" is much more difficult than "explanation" but the document (a report by a special commission on review and reform) spells out very nicely the "core calling" of the church
The calling is PERSONAL, LOCAL, sacrificial, RADICAL, GLOBAL, ESCHATOLOGICAL (it has to do with God's reign breaking upon us and DOXOLOGICAL (the church exists by the grace of God FOR the glory of God.) A very helpful summary!
3. The document recommends "that the church recover the lost art of Christian friendship. This lost art is not about being a friendly church, but makes friends beyond "those that salute you." It notes that true Christian friendship is about commitment to each other and openness to each other.
Wonderful thoughts to lead me to a week of reflection at iona.
Thanks, friends, for following my journey. Met me know what YOU think!
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1 comment:
Chuck,
Hope folks at Iona Parish Church could understand your "states" accent.
Was interested in your reflects from the Church of Scotland report.
"Follow Christ" does appear to be obvious and in fact has been the role of the church since the first disciples left their nets,etc. Putting flesh/action/momentum to these words has been the challenge.
As I recall the disciples did not always get it right either, but they hung in there....in fact, their tenacity is one of the reasons you.....I....MPC....PCUSA
dare I say the church universal is still facing the challenge...Follow Christ!
Ah! Recovering the lost art of Christian friendship.....now here is an arena I believe we can address. How do we develop deep friendships when our culture focuses on the individual? Does being part of the church hold us to a higher standard of developing and cultivating deep and abiding relationships????
Enough for now.....Enjoy the beauty of Iona!
Lucy
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