From October 20-23, David Hewitt and I had the honour and privilege of visiting our neighbours to the south at The Maine Conference of The United Church of Christ. When we arrived, one of the first things we did was accept a dinner invitation from Rev. Deborah Blood, Conference Minister, who had visited our conference in May. It was wonderful to see her again and reconnect, while also meeting Beth Campbell (Office Administrator), Rev. Bill Walsh (who chaired their annual meeting) and Rev. Chris Davies and her partner Erik. Chris was the theme speaker for the weekend and is also a national staff person from The United Church of Christ, working as the Coordinator for Congregational Assessment, Support and Advancement. It didn't take us too long to know that we have so much in common and are seeking to hear where God is calling us to be, as local, regional and national churches.
On Friday, we had the privilege of attending their retreat day, mostly led by Chris. She mostly focused us on her findings of a survey sent out to under 40's, asking the question, "What does a transformative church look like in 10 years?" There was lots of information shared, summed up under three headings: 1. Christ Driven Connection, 2. God-Centered Action, and 3. Spirit-led Leadership. The report is based on research found at howwegather.org (the report itself is yet to be released, but I will share it when it is available) but what I was most struck by with this day-long conversation is that as a church, The United Church of Christ is trying to figure out how to be transformed by the Spirit, rather than conforming to the world in which they find themselves (Romans 12:2)...this was the theme verse for their whole conference. For all it was a conversation of some grief and lament, it was also a conversation of hope and yearning for something different, as one by one, I heard the people in my table group personally committing to things that they are going to let go of, give thanks for, and allow to change both within themselves and in the communities in which they serve for the sake of the Gospel.
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| The Rev. Chris Davies leading the retreat day |
Friday evening was a bit relaxed, as we gathered to eat together at their banquet that remembered the lives of those who served in ministry, and celebrated the anniversaries of those who are currently serving (they celebrate all of them every five years, from five years and up!). It was amazing to hear stories of their faithful ministry personnel and worship together while sharing a meal.
Saturday found us gathering at Husson University in Bangor for the business meeting and workshop gathering. The Theme for the day, Transformed, Renewed, Alive! was framed around the verse from Romans mentioned above. We began with worship led by a Jazz trio, including a musical interpretation of the verse, and then moved into the business portion of the day.
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| Prayer leaves from worship! |
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| The Jazz trio! |
The work was presented, including a budget, nominating report and state of the Conference address by Rev. Blood, which was an honest and thoughtful reflection about how she sees the conference from her position--recognizing both the pain and the joy, the lament and the celebration, and also reminding the gathering that when you find yourself in the Maine Conference, you are never "from away," but are at home in the oneness we celebrate in God. Comforting words for the two Canadians in the room!
Later in the day, we heard more from Chris, and had the opportunity to attend workshops--the two I found myself in included one entitled "Oh No, It's Jazz Sunday!" led by the trio who did worship, and the other entitled "Vibrant Worship, Sustaining Fellowship, Bold Service: Reports from The Small Church Story Project of 10 of Maine Conference’s Smaller Congregations" which was exactly that...stories of 10 small congregations within the conference who are continuing in ministry to their communities, without much formal ministry leadership, some without church buildings, some with only 10 members--but their determination to seek where the Spirit is calling them was indeed inspiring!
At the end of the day, David and I were invited to reflect on what we had experienced and I have to say that Deborah's words rang true--although we have many differences in the way we do things, and in the way we organize ourselves, the choice to be in Full Communion continues to call us to live out our oneness in Christ and our openness to the presence of the Spirit. I didn't feel like I was from away until my accent reminded me! Our commitment to being Open and Affirming (What they call their Affirming ministries), to seeking justice, to working on climate change, are just some of the ways that we continue to say yes to following in the radical, transformational way that Jesus offers us, especially when the world would have us think that we are so different (as is the case with the political results...which were not in when we attended the conference). As the Conference closed, we shared in Communion, which truly allowed me to reflect on how this relationship between our two churches is not only called to deepen, but must do so in action as we seek to live in this world as neighbours and kin.
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| Catherine, Deborah, and David |
Sunday morning found us worshiping at Hammond Street Congregational Church of the UCC, which is an Open and Affirming ministry, and I have to say, they do it very well! People greeted us at the door, made sure we had name tags (as did many of the regular members), gave us a bulletin, sat with us and talked to us in friendly, welcoming ways. We even sang happy birthday to David (and others) who were celebrating that day!
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| Hammond Street Church |
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| Gathering for worship |
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| The Rev. Chris Davies preaching |
We heard Chris preach one more time, which was an amazing reflection of how Jesus is calling us to ministry on the margins with those for whom finding and living hope is a daily struggle, and calling us to journey together because that is what we do best, especially when our hearts are aching. To say that my time in Maine was amazing and transformative would be an understatement. Thanks to Deborah and all of our colleagues there for their hospitality and feeling of welcome!
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| Chris and I after worship...definitely new friends! |
Love and Blessings,
Catherine
PS-
I have to confess that most of this was written before the election results poured in last night. Many of us, as well as many of our brothers and sisters in Maine are sorely disappointed, angered and sad because of what happened and what will unfold in the days and weeks to come. But what called me to finish this reflection today was the deep connectedness I feel at my core and treasure from my time there. We really are one in the Spirit, called to challenge racism, sexism, homophobia/trans-phobia, and anything else that seeks to divide rather than unite. But we do so, recognizing our privilege, and as those who are seeking to understand a reality that deeply affects us, but one that is not our lived reality in quite the same way. So let us join in solidarity with our Maine Conference friends as we seek a way forward that tries to bridge the hurt, anger, and fear the best way we know how--with love, compassion, and hope. Light and Love to all of you this day.
