At my presbytery’s meeting a week or so ago, we had our annual “necrology” report as part of our opening worship service – reading the names of elders from our churches and minister members of our presbytery who died during the previous year and giving thanks for their contributions to our communal life and work. And in the weeks ahead, that kind of “communal remembering” will go on in a variety of ways in our churches and families through observances like All Saints, and Thanksgiving.
And I think it is not at all by coincidence that this is also the time of year that churches emphasize commitment – by holding their “Stewardship” campaigns, taking “Time and Talent” surveys, and the like. Oh, I know, it has to do with the end of the “fiscal year” in many churches and the need to make new budgets and do financial planning.
But then, all of that really ties together. The changing of the seasons reminds us of that everything in this life is transitory and passing. And that naturally causes us to reflect on what has been, even as we look forward to what will be – to the challenges we will face as well as the joy and fulfillment we hope will find us. And those reflections give us strength and encouragement for what lies ahead.
These are challenging times. No doubt about it. But those who came before us faced challenges too: wars, recessions and depressions, pandemics even more devastating than the one we endured not long ago, church schisms and other painful divisions. And through it all, the Christian Church has not only survived but thrived.
As I write this, the presbytery executives of our synod have just concluded our Fall Forum, where we gather to worship, catch up on each other’s lives, discuss matters of mutual concern, and seek to discern where the Spirit leads us as presbyteries and a synod. We took some time at this gathering to wander from our agenda and do some dreaming about how we might be better partners in God’s mission in our region, and some new ideas are now being fleshed out that you will hopefully be hearing about in the not too distant future. We certainly didn’t come up with all the right answers or solve every problem we face, but having participated in those conversations for over 25 years, I can tell you that I left the gathering feeling more hopeful about our synod’s future than I think I have ever felt – and ready to keep building on what has gone before.
As we enter this season of gratitude, may your reflections on the people who have moved you, mentored you, and motivated you fill your thoughts and give you the strength and courage for this day’s journey, and those to come.