By the Way: Finding your way into the future
By Medicine Hat News on September 2, 2017.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to, like Daniel, read the signs of the times. It may not be enigmatic words scrawled on the wall, but a glance at most contemporary congregations suggests that it is time for end-of-life care. Attendance has dropped since the glory days of packed pews in the 1960s. Budgets are stretched and survival emerges as the raison d’etre. What energy is available scrambles to host fundraisers that have always worked in the past: Suppers, bake sales, bazaars, etc. Statistically, far fewer Canadians have any church affiliation. We are in a time of transition when ‘we have always done it that way’ no longer applies. Challenged, yes. Destroyed —far from it. Churches are a vital part of each community as a service centre, gathering place and affordable venue for events. It is difficult to calculate what a church contributes to its community. It is valued as a heritage of learning, compassion, and caring. Most health care, educational and social services that we take for granted are rooted in the work of pioneering faith organizations seeking to serve needs in their neighbourhoods, both local and global. Where would we be without medicare (thanks Tommy Douglas!), universities (how many names start with St. or have a church connection?) and services organizations to care for the aged, children, differently-abled folks, and those in need of assistance from financial to counselling to basic companionship? Christian base communities in Latin America empowered the oppressed to claim their fair share of resources. Likewise here in Canada ‘Church Basement Communities’ gather to respond to needs with soup and community kitchens, shelters for the homeless, drop in centres, youth activities, seniors groups, musical, recreational and educational opportunities, intentional outreach, and political action. A plethora of ecumenical coalitions to address poverty, refugee, indigenous rights, environmental and global concerns merged into KAIROS Canada network to seek justice and peace both locally and globally. As anthropologist Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Think of yourself. Churches are time-honoured sites for weddings, funerals and life transitions. When someone exhausts or does not qualify for social services, who catches those who fall through the cracks? Who visits the lonely, comforts the grieving, or guides those in need to contact the best sources of support? Your local church folks, that’s who. They do so because they care and believe that Jesus invites them to share God’s love with others. What would you do if you awoke in a hospital bed, your paycheque bounced, or your child was hanging out with some tough classmates? Could be that your local congregation has the resources to help you through such hard times. Sure, in many ways the ‘church’ of today is outdated to a generation that lives on cell phones. We are busy discerning how we care, called to be faithful servants in a postmodern context. You — yes you — are encouraged to support and walk with your faith community because you appreciate all people of faith working together in your locale. And don’t forget the spiritual side: In an era where ‘spiritual but not religious’ is the new label, you may wish for a place to ponder spirituality more intentionally. There’s something to be said for the traditions that shaped our society, our lives, and our values: It’s a heritage to cherish and appreciate. We are here. We listen. We care. The church may be small but it is mighty, rooted in faith and conviction that, as God wills, we can transform the world. Join us on the journey! Rev. Jan Stevenson is from Westminster United Church. 10-9
