Today, we read from Cultivating Fruitfulness, written by Robert Schnase,chapter one, day 3, pg.13 (just to make sure we are all on the same page). I was moved by the reflection for today. It is often easy for me to get complacent and lose sight of the importance and value of what the church offers people. It was a helpful reminder to review the simple things people may need when they arrive at our doorstep. "People need to know God loves them, that they are of supreme value... that they are not alone, etc." I read that part again and again. What parts of this do you relate to? When you arrived on NCC's doorstep what needs did you bring? What needs are being met? What needs are still present?
The questions for today relate to how our lives have changed by being apart of this church community. Has it been enriched by being a follower of Jesus? What have you received by being part of a community (this) of faith?
I have been so blessed by being apart of this community. When I arrived 10 years ago I would have never guessed that I would be here today feeling like our ministry together is still so alive and rich. I wouldn't ever have guessed that I would have had to look to you for support in dealing with the death of my mother and more recently the death of Lynne. I feel blessed that you have been the village that has helped raise my children. I have changed, grown, been humbled, made mistakes, and had successes while here and through it all I do believe what Schnase writes: that the church is the "school of love."
And I love you all.
I came to NCC needing a place that filled me spiritually and that had an accepting atmosphere where I could use my gifts and also be nourished and supported.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Jesus was the guiding force in my family growng up and my church growing up was where I found fellow traveler's. I needed that in my life.
Now,I think our church is full of people on a journey to understand God and Jesus in a way that moves us to action. People come for so many reasons and have many needs. Our job is to make them feel welcome and loved and accepted so they can express these needs and/or have them met by the faith community.It is exciting work...but scary at times!
GWEN
This is Linda writing - this reading was very powerful for me, and I just had a really good talk with Jerry about it. I had the good fortune to be raised in a loving, caring church that reached out to others and had a lot of fun, too. I was taught that God is love, and that his love comes through people. Later, when I raised my son, I joined my grandmother's church, sat with her in "her" back pew, and that was where I served on an ONA committee, and became deeply involved in its successful designation as an ONA church with the UCC. When we came to Middleboro, it was hard for me to leave Norwood, and it was hard to meet people. I wanted to join a church so that I could become more a part of Middleboro, and it a part of me. It had to be an ONA church, and ever since I walked in the door I feel I have received so much, and I think since joining I've started to give of myself more - I know I have a lot of growth ahead of me. NCC is genuinely a "school of love" and is the perfect place for anyone who wants to receive and to give.
ReplyDeleteJerry's turn: When I was growing up, I went to church because that is what was "expected" so there was never a real connection with any church. Even into my early adult years, when I went to a church, there was never a connection. Before moving to Mass. I was a member of Congregational Church in Lebanon, NH and although I considered the pastor a good friend, my connection to him was because he was also the fire dept. chaplain where I worked. But as with other churches, I was never connected; I never was a part of their music program, or worked any 'extra-church' activities. Long story short...it wasn't until Linda and I came to Middleboro that we began to shop around looking for a church, I think because it was more important for Linda than for me. The first two churches that we went to did not offer an open hand or a welcoming experience or any sense of connecting with us or we with them. When we went to NCC and since that first day, it has become a major focus in our lives and for me personally, because of my love and passion for music, I felt that I wanted to share this with others of our church community. And it just doesn't stop there; my/our involvement in extra-church projects, (the dinners, youth group to an extent and part of the worship/music team) have given me a sense of "connection". Jesus said, "Freely we have received...Now freely give." I have received the connection, and now am trying to help others receive the same connection.
ReplyDeleteI loved the reading for today! I too read and re-read "People need to know God loves them, that they are of supreme value....People need a sustaining sense of purpose." I kept nodding my head. It is so true. I then read the passage aloud to Mark and we talked quite awhile about it, and the earlier readings as well. We even looked at the list of folks that joined and put faces and names together. Ah, but I digress.
ReplyDeleteWhen I arrived on the doorstep of NCC I needed a chuch that embraced tolerance. One that could agree to disagree in a Christ like manner. I needed to leave worship feeling like I had learned something, or been touched in some deeper way, and I wanted a church community that would help me explore and grow my faith. Those needs are being met. Mark and I agreed there is a sense of belonging at NCC, of being connected to other people that truly care. It also is a community of faith in action. The concept that we are God's hands and feet really resonates with us. And then there is the music...such joy!
Though as an adult I have always considered myself a spiritual person, up until the day I walked into NCC, I had not felt the need to explore my faith. What I have found through my recent exploration and through this particular community of faith is acceptance. NCC is a place where I can learn about, grow in and challenge not only my faith but myself. One of my favorite lines from the devotion today is: As a school for love, the church becomes a congregation where people learn from one another how to love. I am still amazed at what I have left to learn about myself, my faith and how to love; for almost every week, I leave 38 Plymouth Street having learned something: whether from the sermon, the scripture, a conversation with someone, an observation or talk with a child, in the words of a song...the opportunities for me to learn and to love are endless.
ReplyDeleteI have always had God in my heart and prayed all my life for many things; strength to cope when I have felt at my lowest; courage to help others in need; As part of the church community at NCC, I have felt a great warmth of friendship and caring from those I've met; I feel very blessed to be part of this church family. I feel like I found the puzzle that I am a piece to, to make me whole. I still have much to learn spiritually and I look forward to growing with you all.
ReplyDeleteShawn and I came to NCC seeking a place of belonging. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, we were searching for a congregation that was Open and Affirming; a congregation where we could share our gifts without worrying about what some people may think about our relationship.
ReplyDeleteThus far, this community of faith has stretched me more than what I could have ever imagined in the year and a half Shawn and I have been attending. We have become involved in youth ministry, assisted in various fundraisers, organized our first "big" fundraiser (Christmas Coffee House), and we have learned so much about our faith through the words of Rev. Patty and the mission of the congregation.
Speaking for myself, I have learned that faith is more than just saying you believe in Jesus Christ; it is doing also. My faith has transformed since coming to NCC. Before I always thought that "a relationship with Jesus Christ" was it. My faith as a Christian is certainly that, but it is also so much more. Today in church we as a congregation put together the hygiene kits for Haiti. This act is a witness to our faith in Jesus Christ. We are being God's hands to those that are mentioned in the Beatitudes. I believe North Congregational Church is truly a Christian faith community that fully embraces the Gospel message, and I am so humbled and honored to be apart of a church that does so.
As I said in an earlier post, my needs were so great when I first walked into Worship Service at NCC I had no idea what I needed as I walked that grief walk. But I received so much more than I bargained for. I am not at all the same person I was 12 years ago. I had no idea what faith really is. I had no idea what giving and receiving really are.
ReplyDeleteMy growth has been amazing. From the first book study we did with Rev. Patty in Jamie Pratt's home to Bible Study, to the spiritual growth studies we did with Debbie, I have developed such a tremendous hunger to know more about God and his word, and what His plans are for me.
Oh, and did I say that I am still learning daily? What an amazing journey!
Having been raised a Catholic, the subject of spirituality was not brought up much. Since I came to NCC and started taking part in the church activities (I think that started the Saturday night when Charlette said we should go to the roast beef supper for dinner and I was brought into the kitchen and given an apron) spirituality has taken on a whole new meaning. I now know how good it feels to walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
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