_togehter in 2009
Jan
15
Written by:
1/15/2009 7:34 AM
Emmaus has a theme for each year. In 2007 it was "Rooted." In 2008 it was "Worthwhile." The theme works out to be a general concept around which various sermon series are gathered. I was skeptical at first. I thought it would be too hard to sustain interest and focus over 52 weeks. But coming out of 2008 I have the overwhelming sense, more than ever before, that I was able to carefully consider what in my life is worthwhile and what isn't. Being reminded of this theme each week (sometimes bombarded with this theme) turned out to be a wonderful blessing. And so, for the last few weeks of the year, I began to wonder what was next.
The leadership team at Emmaus did a great job generating a buzz for the 2009 theme. There were a few announcements over the past month encouraging people not to miss the first 2 services of 2009 - when the new theme would be revealed. There was an all church email reenforcing this message. Kathryn then sent a personal email to some of the volunteers to generate more hype. All of this communication alluded to the fact that there would be a new theme but stopped short of giving any clue as to what the new theme might be. Maybe I'm weird (maybe?) but I was on the edge of my seat. I told Morgan that I was more excited for church last week than I ever had been before. It was like we were left with the season finale cliffhanger a while back, then teased with a few internet trailers. And then the time came for the premier.
2009 _together.
The sermon this week was really part one of two. Nate talked about how Christianity is inherently communal. As westerners, we often live under the false assumption that it's an option to live autonomously. Not only do we believe that it's an option, we believe that it's a better way of living. We have held up the concepts of personal space, personal property, privacy and even a "personal relationship with God." We say things like, "that's none of your business," and "get out of my way." We often use wealth and technology to isolate ourselves from the world and even from our own friends and family - think suburbs, garage doors, and video games.
The truth is that our faith should push us towards one another; it should push us to live in a counter-cultural style. We are created to do life together. Without one another we are less than complete.
The last part of the sermon was a discussion of the 2009 budget. There's something about this openness that feels refreshing. It's good to know that there is no need for secrets as far as the finances go. It seemed a bit anticlimactic though. I was ready to share our van, move into a commune, ask a stranger out to lunch... instead I got a pie chart.
Sharing our resources is an important part of _together. I understand that. I think that part two next week will take it in another direction. Regardless, may _together in 2009 be a rich blessing.