Dear Grace Church Family,
As I write this, I am in Washington DC for an intensive week of study for my Doctor of Ministry work. Originally, I was scheduled to stay in a retreat center that sits on the property of the National Cathedral, the Virginia Mae Center. It is a place of hospitality for preachers and is nothing short of a magical experience. There is a library full of books by the best theologians and a big fireplace that alights at the touch of a button. I received a phone call from the manager a couple of days before my departure. She shared with me that they had to cancel all their reservations because the secret service would not allow people to be on site the week of Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Where I might have been frustrated for another reason, I immediately understood, “anything for Jimmy,” I said!
Jimmy Carter is such a great example of someone who faithfully followed the ways of Jesus in his life. He taught Sunday school at his church. He built homes for those without one. He was a person of great character, who understood the importance of community. Interestingly, the U.S. surgeon general, in his parting prescription for America shared what he believed would cultivate health and fulfillment, and it was COMMUNITY. Maybe Jimmy was able to live to 100 partly because of his strong commitment to building community, Christian community. There were three elements that were included in the prescription Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy put forth, “purpose in life, relationships, and service.” What a parting word for us to consider!
Our nation’s capital is covered with a blanket of snow. It’s fun to visit snow, especially if you have a cozy pair of gloves, a warm hat, good boots, and a heavy coat! The snow has not kept my co-hort and I from learning what we are here to learn. The course for this semester is, Missional Entrepreneurship, try saying that quickly three times! It is so wonderful to be here with people from all over the country, hearing about all the ways God is leading us into the unfolding chapter of ministry before us. Part of the learning in the class is the importance of playfulness. Playfulness is a way of keeping our spirits open. When we are open, we are more able to enter into the possibility of new things. Playfulness is good for community too!
Be in prayer about the ways you can deepen your connection to others in our community. Wonder about the ways you might be able to help us strengthen our community, so that others might find a place in it. Reflect on the prescription for America and consider reading his entire communication online. Maybe you are struggling to determine your purpose. Reach out. I’d love to sit with you and wonder with you about how you might come more alive in your own life. Community is important. We hold each other in the moments that matter and together we are stronger! I am so thankful for the gift of the Grace United Methodist community!
Don’t forget to sign up for the, “A Disciple’s Path” four-week study. Let Terri know you are interested and go ahead and order the companion reader and the daily workbook, they are both available on amazon!
As always, I am grateful to be…
With you on the journey,
Pastor Michelle