Living in a Garden

So I love quotes! I picked up a book at the Library The Indiana Book of Quotes by Fred D. Cavinder. As I perused the pages I found this gem of a quote by Frank McKinney (Kin) Hubbard..."In order to live off a garden, you practically have to live in it."

It struck me that the truth of the matter in most things in life--if we want something we have to live it. Most things do not pan out if we just dip our toes into to check it out. You have to jump in and start swimming! So it occurred to me that as we work to build a community of faith on the southside of Indianapolis we cannot just dip into the neighborhood and the vision of our community. We had to jump in, feet first, and starting living this community with all that we are. Some times that seems a scary prospect because our values and vision are broad and ambitious. On the days when living this life can feel overwhelming I remember that I am not the one who has to make this vision come true, but God who has created everything will see this through.

If we live into the vision that Christ puts before us: a world where the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the homeless welcomed home, the sick comforted and cared for, the orphaned hugged and loved by family...what might we see change in the world around us? While the big gestures and powerful words of a few can inspire and challenge us to see a brand new world...I prefer to take baby steps in the direction of Jesus. I may not always be able to see things come together and change the whole world but I can by living into Jesus way see change happen little by little in the lives of the people I care for. I am sure that I will find love in places that I never expected to be and peace in places known for violence and generosity in the midst of tremendous greed. Because life isn't always about changing the whole picture but about changing our part in it. What live off of, is what directs our lives. If we live off the way of Jesus; of compassion, peace, love and hope then our lives will reflect and embody those things as they direction us deeper into relationship with God and one another!

So to live off love, you have to live it!

Who is the "church" for?

I have been thinking lately...who is the church for? Lots of times people talk about going to church, being the church, and doing church. So sometimes we talk in terms of location, time, worship opportunities, service in the community, living the Gospel individually, etc.

As I drove into town yesterday I wondered who the church exists for? Do we as Christians participate in church worship, activities, educational opportunities for ourselves or for others. If we look at the larger church throughout the world does it serve the needs of "members," people on the inside, or does it serve all people in need? I believe that it is a little bit of both, because the things that help people grow in faith are often found within communities that teach, disciple, and care for the people inside so that they are able to serve others. It seems very easy for any of us to get stuck on one extreme or the other...maybe I just enjoy spending time with my small group friends so I make time to see them but I don't spend a lot of time taking what I have learned and putting it into practice in tangible ways of caring for the people who are suffering around me. Or maybe I do a great job of volunteering at the local soup kitchen, building relationships with people but I find that making time to attend a bible study or develop my individual faith is difficult to do.

One without the other just doesn't make sense. I mean why learn about a Savior whose life models care and compassion for the outcasts and the most vulnerable people in society but not find ways to serve the people in your own neighborhood who need care and compassion? And then what do you do when you find yourself connecting with people where you spend time caring for people but you aren't able to talk to them about the beliefs that have brought you there to begin with?

So then who is the church for if it teaches and empowers, cares and challenges, and lives as Christ did...I believe it is for everyone.

If that is true, then how do we live as people of community and people in community? How do you do it?

Where the seeds fall...

Have you ever thought about what kind of help you can be to your neighbor? I find myself often wondering if I could help someone out but I second myself and justify inaction because I don't want to impose on someone else. It is strange to think that some of us don't help others because we are afraid they will be offended by the offer. Maybe we are just a little afraid too that if we help, we may have to change our priorities so that the other person is put ahead of us.

This weekend we held a worship service in the community garden at Zacchaeus' Tree! We talked about the parable of the sower (The Gospel of Luke 8:4-15). The story is about a farmer spreading seeds and about their life afterwards. Some seeds are lost from the beginning when they land on the path, some start growing but because of the rocks can't get enough water, some are thrown in with the weeds and can't grow because the weeds choke them out and there are seeds that fall on good soil and they grow and produce good fruit.

We often consider this story as a way to determine where we are...when we hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Are we in good soil, growing and producing fruit? Or have we landed among the rocks without enough support to make it through? As a congregation we are developing into a community that serves our neighbors by helping to cultivate the space around others and ourselves that allows for growth! As I learned in my own garden, it doesn't take long for a garden to become a bed of weeds if I leave it alone. Without consistent care the weeds grow taller and faster so that the crops have little chance to produce much if anything at all.

So what can we do that helps others to hear and receive the Good News that God loves them and wants to know them more?

We volunteer monthly at a local food pantry, are building partnership with the Fuller Center (www.fullercenter.org), and looking for ways to individually care for our neighbors. But it can be hard, because caring for others means we take a back seat in favor of caring for the needs of others. Pray for all who want to serve, that opportunities and ability come together to allow for authentic and caring relationships to form as we care for the needs of one another!