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Hello St. John’s Family,
Recently I came across a series of short articles exploring the “rise of the ‘nones’” – the rapidly increasing segment of society that has no formal religious affiliation. The writer, a non-practicing Jewish person, sought to explore and better understand the reasons for this rapid shift, as she felt this is one of the “biggest, most complicated and most misunderstood changes in society in the past half-century.”[1] As I’ve read these articles I’ve jotted down many notes, hopeful to glean insights that will help us more clearly and effectively convey the hope and peace available to all people through relationship with Christ.
The focus of the fifth and final article was exploring what – if anything – those who no longer attend religious services (or who consider themselves “spiritual” but no longer “religious”) miss from their time being actively involved in a faith community. By far, the largest number of responses centered on one aspect the author saw as an overwhelmingly positive aspect of actively practicing one’s faith: the supportive community fostered within and provided by a congregation. Many commented how they have not found the sense of love and support that is cultivated in a faith community anywhere else.
As I read this article, which was released on June 28, my mind immediately went to the morning prior. Tuesday morning, June 27, many of us gathered together to worship God and witness to our faith as we celebrated the life of Janice Simon – words I have been privileged to share for many Saints in this congregation and beyond. Those who gathered were powerfully moved by the incredibly faithful life and witness of Janice that was shared in song and word. Yet Tuesday morning was so much more! There was a powerful presence with us: God’s Spirit was there comforting, guiding, and loving us in a real and tangible way.
Friends, I have experienced that amazing presence, a presence more powerful than words can convey, so many times. In times of loss and grief, God is there. In times of joy and celebration, God is there. At times when I was so tired – all I wanted to do was sleep in and I grumbled all the way into the sanctuary – God shows up… and more often than not, I left uplifted and encouraged for the week ahead. There isn’t a magic formula that creates this atmosphere; this isn’t a social fabric that can be replicated in an organization or club. I believe with all my heart this presence points to the reality Christ shared with his disciples: For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them (Matt. 18:20). When we gather to worship, to fellowship around a Wednesday night campfire, to meet as a small group, to grieve, to serve others… when we gather in Jesus’ name, God’s very Spirit is in our midst. Please know that if you find yourself missing that, you are always welcome here, with your St. John’s Family!
This Sunday in worship we’ll gather together, share in our Lord’s Supper, and reflect on a passage Paul wrote to the church in Rome. In Romans 5:1-8, Paul notes how faith – not perfect adherence to religious laws or rules – restores our relationship with God, yielding peace and hope. We are free: released from the pressure of perfection, while being strengthened and uplifted with hope. I hope you’ll join us in worship on Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/opinion/religion-affiliation-community.html
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