Goodness Weekly 10.10.22
“Godly behavior is not so much rule-keeping as it is relationship-keeping”
– Ron Bruner
Message from a Friend:
Have you ever felt unclean?
During yesterday’s sermon, I asked those present to raise their hands if they had gotten sick with the coronavirus in the past two (can you believe it’s been two?!) years, and nearly everyone raised their hands. I dodged actually testing positive until July of this year, but I found myself in isolation a couple of other times due to exposure. Each of these experiences left me feeling dirty– marked by the potential of physical unwellness, but also bearing the blemish of shame and culpability. Knowing I represented a threat to the health of others made me feel embarrassed and even more alone, not to mention the social distaste I’m sure many experienced– whether outward or implicit. In times of fear, humans sometimes turn inward and defensive.
These experiences help us better understand both the heartache felt by the ten lepers in Luke 17 and the joy at finding they are freed from the diseases that shackled them to their circumstances. This story reminds us that we have all been unclean at some time or another, but that we are also healed! The tenth who returns to thank Jesus gets it– he finds connection both at the feet of Jesus, his Creator, and in returning to the community he’s been cast out of. The story of the lepers is not one of dirtiness but of restoration and relationship. Jesus instructs this tenth man–“Rise and go, your faith has made you well” (vs. 19); return to your community and share this gift of mercy!
How might we share this same gift of holy connection with the people we encounter? Knowing how it feels to be tarnished, what does it look like to be a reminder of healing and acceptance by God and his people?
It might not actually take much. It might look like smiling and waving at the crying baby in the crowded coffee shop to remind the mom that children are equal members of society. It could mean asking the single person about something that interests or inspires them rather than their dating life to remind them that they are more than one-half of a relationship. It might be embracing the man experiencing homelessness to remind him that his worth comes from his personhood.
And perhaps, being a person of healing and acceptance might mean drawing near (in ways we are able) to the sick and dying to remind them that the Lord is not afraid of earthly ailments. Our Creator says we are more than that which makes us feel unclean. As one of my favorite songs puts it, All that I can see is that You can’t see the dirt in me. May we be a people of open-handed connection and healing this week.
— Chelsea Stirman, Family Minister
What’s Good:
Our second monthly Saturday Family Morning is in the books! We are so grateful to all the families that joined us for a story & fall activities/crafts. We were able to enjoy the beautiful weather & community connection together on the front lawn. We hope to see you for next month’s Family Morning on November 12th at 9:30am!
Partner Update:
As you may know, one of Charis Collective’s first partnerships was with Rose Hip Coffee.
Through every coffee, pastry, and conversation this quaint & beautiful coffee trailer has created a community within our neighborhood that we are so blessed to be a part of.
With that being said, our amazing friend, business owner, barista, baker (the list goes on), Katie, has released Rose Hip’s Fall Menu! We encourage you to stop by the trailer, try a new drink/pastry, and join in the community she’s created.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, October 16th, 4:30pm Chapel Worship & Liturgy
Friday, October 21st, 6:30pm Outdoor Worship
Tuesday, October 11th, 9:00am Story Time on the lawn
Wednesdays at 7:30pm Youth Group at The Stirmans
Morning:
Tender God of wide-open arms,
I greet you in the cool (at last!) of the morning,
Longing for a glimmer of your presence.
Hoping for a drop of your goodness.
Alone
Or surrounded by others,
Yet yearning for something more.
Hoping for a glimpse of You.
You, my Father,
Do not deal in passing visitations,
Flickers of goodness,
Or measured doses of grace.
Instead, You pour out your presence
Without restraint
Soaking me bone-deep
In the longing my heart couldn’t name.
Walk with me today,
As I try to remember—
To share—
That nourishment.
Amen.
Evening:
This evening I move toward stillness
Returning to your warm embrace,
Though never having truly left it.
I hold up to you
Those with whom I tried to share your presence
Those who don’t know they’re searching
And those who might gatekeep
Connection or goodness.
I surrender that which occupies my mind
In exchange for
Rest in your presence,
Gratefulness for your grace,
And enoughness in your community.
Amen.
