Lately I have been thinking about how each day offers us the chance for new beginnings. And I have decided it is time. It is time to move out of my comfort zone and stop denying the world and myself the opportunity to be involved. The world needs my hands, and I need to contribute my hands to make the work of the world lighter. I need to give back. So for the next year, I have added a new dimension to my life. Last year I committed to the gratitude notes and this year, I will continue to write gratitude notes and I will commit to attend a church service, lecture, community event or volunteer at least once a week.
Today I attended services at Immanuel Lutheran Church in North Attleboro, Mass. I wanted to start in a place I was familiar with, yet explore a new community. Well, I must say that the chance to be a part of this service is one that I will carry with me for a long time. After sitting down, Nancy came up to me, introduced herself and made me feel at ease. As I sat listening to Pastor Sandy’s sermon about a new lease on life, I knew there was a reason the universe sent me to this place. And then, Pastor Sandy asked one of the members to share an experience from the recent Synod Assembly. And he started, “nonetheless” and a story about the Holocaust and the Jewish men who denounced God. What he said next, stirred something in me that I have contemplated for several years. He said, “I question my faith. I question God and it is okay.” Did he know that I questioned my faith, my beliefs, and understanding of God, and this caused me to spend the last few years exploring and deepening my own spirituality away from the confines of the religious walls? Did he know that I felt like a heretic because my understanding of who God is changed? Did he know that those words brought renewal to my faith in the church walls?
This person does not know how he changed my life. He has no idea how I drove home thinking about what happened and how I felt. He does not know how good it felt to have Susan join me for communion so I did not have to go alone. But most of all, he does not know, that I wished I had taken the time to stop after church and join him at coffee hour to say thanks.
It is about new beginnings, new leases on life and “nonetheless.” Thank you Immanuel Lutheran Church. Your commitment to building a community of openness, faith and acceptance within and outside of the walls of the church is one that is illuminated by the members and work you do. The church exemplifies a Reconciling Congregation in all that it does. A reconciling congregation is more than just accepting all people. A reconciling congregation accepts all people even those who are unsure about their feelings and relationship with God.
If you are ever in Attleboro, take the time to visit, or check them out at www.immanuellc.org. I can guarantee you will feel like you have come home.
