Wilderness Gear

I took my first wilderness trip in Glacier National Park, high in the Rockies between Montana and Canada, straddling the Continental Divide. 

Glacier is backpacking country.  Humans intrude as little as possible in this gorgeous wilderness, so to experience this place you need to backpack through several miles of mountainous trails from one tiny campsite to another.  Growing up in urban California, I had never gone camping, but I was excited to see Glacier, and I packed for a good time.  In my brand-new backpack, I stuffed, among other things:  four designer outfits, three pairs of shoes, a stuffed animal, three books, makeup, jewelry, and a bag of chocolate.

I did, however, neglect to bring any rain gear. 

By the third day of carrying this 40-pound pack in the pouring rain, and wearing a Hefty garbage bag as a poncho, I was ready to throw my stuff to the bears in exchange for their fur coat. But at the end of that trip, I knew what I really needed, and what I just wanted.  In some ways, I found out who I was.

At Calvary Church, you are in the midst of what, in the intentional interim ministry world, is called a "wilderness time." It's an exciting time, but also a time for deciding what you really need, and what you just want, both in a new rector and in your church. You are finding out who you are, independently of the identity of the priest.

Calvary has changed over the years, and has grown up in many ways. Some changes will be recommended to help Calvary to grow into your evolving identity. What is your dream for the future of Calvary Church? We will begin to explore that question during the next several months. Your dreams and hopes and visions will be part of your wilderness gear for the coming time of discerning, dreaming, and seeking the one who will partner with you in your next journey with God, at Calvary.