Two things happened today. One was a marvelous service at First Unitarian Church of Rochester. There was much laughter, but the best part for me was after the second service. Our ministers are married, and the husband read the poem Changed Man, that he gave his wife for Valentine's Day today. When they came out after the service, as they always to, to greet everyone leaving, Kaaren rushed out and hugged and kissed her husband. It was a private moment. A moment of deep love, and understanding, and so very moving. It reminded me of how much I love my husband and my family. Of how much I love the church and my ministers. Of how glad I am that they have each other.
The second was that I was assigned to interview someone about where they see religiosity in their community work. I won't say too much here, other than that she had never thought of what she did in terms of her religious beliefs and traditions, and that she visibly became moved by the realization. That, my friends, is what ministry is about. Watching those moments of transformation. being afforded the grace to be present for those moments, and to be a part, however small, of something nothing short of miraculous. Faith, love, service, community, binding together- that is what ministry is about, regardless of what we call our institutional religion.
Beautiful.
4 comments:
Kelly, this is a fantastic reality! So many times we as a society struggle to see beyond whatever religion hat we have put on, but you so eloquently point out how far beyond that outer "label" the depth of ministry goes!
Thank you for sharing these insights, Kelly! It sounds like your interview was transformative for both of you, and I'm glad.
Karen, it was so wonderful. I think that the best thing about ministry for me is witnessing moments of transformation in others. That moment has the tangential effect of transforming me as well, but the true joy is in being present to it.
Heidi, I am finding through my studies, that there is so much more to "religion" than the building, and the institution. How do you define religion? Think outside the box of things accepted and rejected - what comforts you, brings you joy, creates moments of meaning in your life? How are those religious (not necessarily FROM religion)? It's wide open :)
How wonderful!
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