Gathering in Spirit, a new venture in a worshiping community has met twice monthly over the summer and plans to continue through the autumn. The Gathering arose from conversation with a few folks who were longing for a worshipful space and place that was less confining. Along with the shared leadership of Jim DeGood, we were also interested in inviting those who have a deep faith but who have been turned away by or have tuned out of "church". I will confess that my Reformed roots and training can't help but influence the emerging format of our Gathering even as we attempt to include wisdom and spiritual insight from wider bounds. Jesus' life and engaging the scriptures that reveal God who is beyond naming invite us to listen to Spirit's wisdom opening us in new ways. As Gathering in Spirit continues to evolve we welcome seekers, wonderers, and wanderers to join us for this meditative space to encounter God in worship.
(Gathering dates: Thursdays at 7PM, September 6 and 20, October 4 and 18, November 1 and 15. Location: at Mona Kai Club House in Muskegon)
Camp Sunshine is a camp for persons with developmental challenges, some also with physical challenges. Now in its 31st year, offering a camping experience that engages body, mind, and spirit in a welcoming, safe, fun-filled place, Sunshine is a sign of hope. I am honored to follow in the legacy of Doc Van Hoeven and serve as spiritual director or chaplain at camp. Our beloved campers are the teachers who rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep and live immediately in the moment. Camp Sunshine is a spiritual encounter for all the special friends who are part of it, seeing the sacred and holy in each face, each one being precious and beloved. Camp lives into the belief that "God loves EVERYBODY" and loves each one "just the way we are".
(see www.campsunshine.info)
Discernment Group Life changes, the earth shifts, and many things are called into question. What a gift to be able to come alongside a small group of individuals who are intently listening for the movement of the Spirit. What a gift to help process the questions, listen to fears, share in encouragement, and together come to a peace - recognizing that all is well and we reside in God's grace. Thank you for the privilege to share the journeys!
Room for All - Although initially agreeing to be on the Board felt like something in which I had extra time to give and it was a way to stay connected to my denominational community, Room for All has and is becoming a vital part of ministry that includes my own journey in deep spirituality and action as it transforms me and hopefully my denomination, the Church, and the world in which we live. Room for All (http://roomforall.com) was created by Reformed Church in American members whose desire is to advocate, educate, and support individuals a movement toward LGBTQ inclusion in the life of the church. The end of August I was privileged to be trained to be a trainer for Building the Inclusive Church seminars, through the Institute for Welcoming Resources (www.welcomingresources.org/). I am grateful for the gift of passionate and compassionate ecumenical partners whose joy, hope, and grace continue to move us toward God's gracious welcome for all.
I missed not spending more time on the beach, in the garden, and in my kayak. It reminds me that our "muchness" takes us away from that which fills us. I need to get outside!
