Many years ago I attended a Reunion (church family camp) as a Graceland Representative. Graceland University sends out representatives to Community of Christ camps throughout the summer in hopes of recruiting youth to their University. The last night of camp, I was asked to join the Sr. High youth at a campfire led by two other adults. As the campfire progressed you could start to feel the spirit moving in the moment. The adults asked the youth if any would like to be administered to. Sacrament of Administration Administration is a sacrament in the Community of Christ in which two ministers anoint the head of the individual with a small amount of oil and lay their hands on the persons head to pray for them. It is a prayer asking for the healing spirit of God to bless the individual in whatever way that person needs. James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. It's important to note that healing comes in many ways and does not always mean a miraculous physical healing will take place. In fact many times that is not the case. If you are interested in learning more about the other sacraments of the Community of Christ please click here. The Rest of the Story Two youth were prayed for and a third stepped forward to sit in the chair. As youth gathered around the two leaders motioned me to the middle asked me to administer to the girl. I was a newly ordained minister at the time making me a little nervous at the sudden request. But I moved with the spirit and allowed it to breathe in the moment. The girls head was anointed and I prayed for her. I remember feeling like these words were not might own as well as an overwhelming feeling of peace. She was moved to tears by the experience and shortly after the campfire was ended. It was in our camp closing service the next day where she stood up to share. She spoke of the night before and said, "When I was being prayed for, I felt like God was stitching my heart back together." She went onto say how she felt peace over her life. Her testimony confirmed to me God was moving in the moment and I just happened to be the vessel for which God used. Moving Power of God I think the experience I was apart of shows how God can move in powerful ways. When we intentionally allow God to breathe in our lives, we make room for God to love. This young girl had some sort of pain in her life. I do not know what that was but I do know that night she felt loved and in that love, the pain, shame, or guilt stood no chance. God's love trumps the human emotions we put on ourselves from the daily situations we find ourselves in. God is continually saying you are of worth and you are loved! We are all on various paths in this chaotic world, but wherever you find yourself please tell yourself that you have worth! Missio Dei Missio Dei is a latin term referring to the "mission of God" or "sending of God". I believe the Mission of God is to love, to make whole, to provide hope, and to engage others in knowing there worth. Leading Congregations in Mission created this video which I want to share with you. I love how it says, "It's a moving mission of discovery, healing, and hope. An agenda of significance to all those who answer yes to the call to serve." I think this video will give a good understanding of how our spirituality cannot be separated from our daily lives. Its a never ending journey of discovery and serving those around us. When have you needed your heart stitched back together? How have you been a vessel for God's love? When have you allowed God to breathe in your life? How have you been a part of the mission of God? This week let the spirit move through you in the places you find yourself. Do something nice for someone else that you do not know. You may just be the stitch that the person needs. Our small group is meeting this week, so those interested please submit the contact us and hopefully you can join us.
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Have you ever been rejected by an institution, church, family, etc.? Rejection rocks us at our core and has unintended consequences for how we attack our life. It can take years for us to overcome the resulting self-doubt and shame. However despite these experiences - both real and perceived - there is hope. While living and working as a minister in a trailer park I spent time with a woman named Tina. She and her daughter attended multiple events at various churches throughout the summer and genuinely enjoyed the programs each one had to offer. After attending one weeklong VBS the family rode the church van to attend that church one Sunday. Later that week Tina recounted her experience to me. Tina said, "I will never go back to that church." I asked her what happened that caused her to be so upset. She stated the people judged them for the way they were dressed. Some where even so bold to tell her that they should dress nicer the next time they come. The mother exclaimed, "These are the nicest clothes we own." As I listened to her pain and shame I was in complete disbelief! Priorities Sometimes we get our priorities jumbled and forget the true purpose of what we are doing. Rules and tradition can cause us to be stuffy and unkind to others. It is important to keep ourselves in check and continue to ask questions centering ourselves on our primary purpose. Hopefully in the answers we will find a way to truly welcome others and be a participatory part of their seeking. Next Part of the Story Her experience led Tina to ask me questions about our little trailer park church. She and her daughter started attending regularly, occasionally in their pajamas. After some time Tina chose to commit to a new relationship with God and was baptized in the small blowup pool in our yard. Rejection vs Acceptance I tell you this story because when we put expectations on others without really knowing their story we can create divisions. Loving people for who they are is what really matters. Luckily the initial rejection led this mother and her daughter to a place where they could be loved. My church, Community of Christ, is not without its faults. Unfortunately policies and practices in our denomination have been unjust and made people feel judged, inadequate, or unwelcome. More recently Community of Christ has made great strides to become a welcoming body, to seek out and eliminate injustice, and to pursue the wholistic peace and love of Christ. This progress does not diminish any hurt you may feel, but please feel comforted that change is possible. If you are still searching for a place to grow spiritually with others in love and acceptance I encourage you to locate a Community of Christ. Since attending someplace new can be uncomfortable I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have or connect you personally with someone in your area. Does this story resonate with you? Have you experienced rejection from a community, church, or institution? This pain is real but I hope it does not stop you from searching further spiritually. I hope you find a community that will accept you for who you are. I invite you to share with us whether you have found that place along your faith journey or not. You are welcome and your experience is valued and appreciated. Please share this blog on your Facebook or Twitter account. We welcome your interactions.
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Please Note The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Community of Christ. We believe individuals should be allowed to have their own opinions and be at different places in their faith journey.
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June 2021
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Emporia Ministry
c/o Midlands Mission Center 7615 North Platte Purchase Drive Kansas City, Missouri 64118 Phone: (816) 221-4450 |
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International Headquarters
Community of Christ 1001 West Walnut Independence, Missouri 64050 Phone: (816) 833–1000 or (800) 825–2806 |