Hey Tripp, I've lived in the desert of SE Arizona for two years. Here all we can fish for are scorpions and rattle snakes, and when the monsoons hit in July, poisonous frogs. Fun...it's been interesting living in a place where there is mostly sand and prickly vegetation. And a lot of complacency, and huge desire for chuch to be a place of comfort. Comfort and unchanging in a world that is changing so fast that people are scared and angry.
Actually interesting is not the right descriptor. It's been prickly for me, even toxic at times. People forget a lot about what church is supposed to be...and cling to some idea of what they hope and yearn for it to be - comfortable.
Your reflection reminded me of something I read in, I think, Holy Conversations by Gil Rendle and Alice Mann: this idea about churches having some core ideology - some core piece of identity that is unique to that church - and "never" really changes. Once we can agree, as a church, what that is, then we can begin to talk about the things that can and should change.
Not sure that is a useful piece for you...but I find myself pondering it.
I'm about to leave the desert, having resigned from my church here. I'll be back in Chicago for a bit, as I discern what's next. And, I've add you to my blog roll again, so I can remember to come here...hope all is well with you and that Sunday goes well too.
Posted by: mompriest at February 6, 2010 08:44 AMMompriest,
Such a familiar story...and I know Alice Mann's wisdom well. I've read a couple of her books. I'll find this one and reread it.
If you do find yourself in Chicago again soon, look me up. I'd love to meet for a cup of coffee.
Posted by: Tripp at February 6, 2010 08:06 PM