I've just returned to the Tri-Cities from Traverse City where I hung out with the fabulous congregation of Potter's House, a UCC new church plant. They are about two years old and have around fifty (ish) people who attend on a regular basis. You know, (actually, you probably don't but that's another blog) as a deacon, it is my role to SERVE the church and generally that means setting the table (altar) and reading the gospel on Sundays (besides all the service done during the rest of the week). What did I do this past Sunday? I made fondue!!!! This was a first for me--both in making the fondue and in having fondue at church (oh, also the chocolate fountain there was part of my series of fabulous firsts!) The pastor is Corey Sanderson and I met him in his book-filled office on Front Street in TC. If you've never been to Front street or Traverse City, you should check it out--especially in the fall. Lovely time of year to be on the bay and having a hot cup of coffee or tea outside. Anyway, I met Corey at his office where he was preparing for Sunday's service and realized that I shouldn't have been so concerned about dressing up for the service. I was wearing a blue t-shirt, black cardigan, and brown skirt with heels. He met me in jeans, sensible shoes (which he later pointed out to me) and a bowling shirt (which included his name)! I knew then that those days of me showing up to church in a sweatshirt and torn up jeans were not entirely over (with some, er, modification).
So, I meet Corey and get to hear his story and the story of Potter's House. For the sake of space and time, I'll bottom line it for you: relationships--they made friends, one person at a time. If there is one thing for me to take away from everything that I've read and heard, its relationships are key. Real, real, and for real relationships. The fact of the matter is, I don't want anything else either. I am new to this area--I'd like to know people. For real (as my friend Megan would say). The other thing I need to take away from all that I've learned is to be patient. This is going to take some time, like all good things. So, if you're reading this, won't you be my friend? Just kidding--that's weird and if you say 'yes' I may not talk to you for a little bit. Lately my email and phone are a vortex of darkness and worm holes sucking everything into them, but giving nothing back. So I think I'd freak out for a second if something actually did come back. Again, must be patient....
If you're ever in the TC area, check out Potter's House: Sundays at 5:30 on S. Oak.
Here's the web site: http://www.pottershouseucc.org/
I don't know how to insert links yet, so bear with me. Thanks!
Ok, next post I'll finish my thoughts on Kester Brewin's book!
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4 comments:
This whole thing you are doing makes my insides feel funny, not in a climbing rope in gym class way, but in a "this is what loving God is in the 21st century and oh my goodness I hope I get to be a part of it" way.
If you're interested in "emerging" church movements, Traverse City also has a community called Sojourn that is building on the same idea that church is a community of relationships, not a place, time, or religious service.
Hey James,
I didn't see you note--I was getting a ton of messages that day I guess. could you tell me a little about your community? where do you meet? and what does your community form itself around?
Hope you get this--would love to hear back!
Sarah
Sojourn meets on sunday nights at 1101 E Front St (Faith's youth/clarion building. We formed around the idea that church is a group of people, not a building or a service. To reflect this our gatherings are highly interactive. Teaching is discussion oriented and we use reflection stations to make our worship experiential. It's a good group of folk trying to be missional in TC. You can find out a lot more on our website www.SojournTC.org
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