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December 12th.
2007
I LOVE OUR CHURCH
The last thing I ask couples to do in
our final time together prior to their marriage is to tell the other why
they love them. As you might imagine, this is almost always a very
touching moment. Touching as it may be, that is not the reason I
request the couple share these very intimate feelings. My real
motivation is that on the eve of what is arguably the most significant
commitment they will make in their lives I believe it is important to be
clear why it is they are wanting to take such an important step.
At the conclusion of the couple's sharing I then challenge them to
continue to express why it is that they love the other for the rest of
their life. Specifically, I suggest they do so at the most random
moments: stop lights, walking through the mall, whenever it might catch
the other off guard. I also suggest that as their relationship continues
to blossom and evolve they will be surprised that they will love the
other for a whole host of different reasons.
In many respects the same is true about our relationship with our church
home. It is clear to me in word and deed many of us truly love the
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. We love those we break bread
with. We love God's Word. We love to pray for others and ourselves. We
love to learn. We love that we get to use our God-given gifts for
ministry. We love the boundless joy of the children in our midst. We
love the beautiful music that we participate in for worship. We love the
fun fellowship that we enjoy on Sundays and special gatherings. We love
our facilities and the opportunity to share them with others. We love to
get our hands dirty and reach out to those in need in our community…and
these are just the ways people have expressed to me recently the things
they love about our church!
This of course prompts me to ask when was the last time we told someone
why we love our church? Let me ask another question. When was the last
time you told someone you really love this new restaurant, new movie,
new store, new______? How was the reception? My guess is folks were
glad to hear about what you loved and why. Why not tell them why you
love your church. Trust me, I do it all the time. And you know what -
not one person has been offended. Quite the contrary. They see my love
and passion for our church home and always want to know more about the
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection.
So here's my Christmas gift suggestion. Tell one person one thing you
love about our church home. You will not only be amazed how well you
are received but how good it feels to share what your love.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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