Monday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon

The sermon for Sunday, October 30th, centers around an interesting idea put forward in Barbara Brown Taylor's book, Leaving Church.

What is interesting about this book is the idea that comes from the experience she had. She is an Episcopal priest and was in a small rural church when she was invited to leave her church appointment and take a job as a professor at a small college. In the book she shares her struggle with the decision and her response to having made the decision.

The most interesting, and I think relevant, part of her story is her reflection on the church after she leave it. She didn't leave because she was burned out; she left because a different challenge was offered her. There were things about the church she missed and some things about the church she realized after she was gone.

It pushes us to question for ourselves what would we miss about the church if we left it?

What in the church is special to us that we would not have were we to walk away from it?

Would it be the sermons? The community? The ritual? The music?

Would there be some way to express our spirituality or to grow theologically if we were not involved in a local church?

What do you think about this?

Where do you think there would be nourishment of soul were it not for the church?

If you have ideas about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with others click on the 'comments' box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.



Charles Schuster