Dear People of Grace,
We find ourselves in an intense situation, with challenges on one hand and enormous potential on the other. How do we understand ourselves as “the church” in the midst of this extraordinary time of potential? It is no secret that the institutional church has been struggling for a while in terms of membership and participation. Here at Grace, we are fortunate with a community whose dedication is awe-inspiring, yet we look around and see the broader tensions in how we understand ourselves as the gathered community, as followers of Jesus Christ.
What questions should we ask? How can we explore an even more robust practice of our faith that recognizes the shift in demographics and expectations we are encountering? What work are we called to do now that will nurture sustainable, faithful, and prayerful ministry for years to come? How can we more fully participate in the Church’s mission to foster reconciliation in the world? These are foundational questions for us, and it is in that spirit that we are beginning our own School for Christian Practice at Grace Episcopal Church.
I hope to gather a core team who will help lead and develop this space for formation, prayer, and growth in the coming months–taking advantage of these days to study, read, write, reflect, and pray together as we face truly substantial conversations as a Christian community. If this interests you, (and I pray it does), set aside Sunday afternoon, December 6, from 2 to 4 as a time of retreat and conversation.
I am including a video link with this article that you can explore, and here are the four key topics our School will focus on: Practices of Prayer; Stages of Faith and Development; Scriptural Proficiency; and Sacramental Ethics. These four focus points are essential in the way we understand ourselves as Christians, and they will form the basic framework for our shared work.
I will include a link in next week’s newsletter, but perhaps this article and video will serve as an introduction to the conversation–and invitation to share in this vital work.
Blessings,
Stuart+