The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid.” —Isaiah 40:9b, NIVv
“You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid.” —Isaiah 40:9b, NIVv
Two phrases have been sticking with me recently.
The first came from Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement communications for the Church of the Brethren. In an October reflection, Matt talked about the importance of gathering around the table, noting the frequency with which Jesus did that alongside a wide variety of people.
“Every time we gather around a table,” he wrote, “something sacred is happening. Every gathering is an opportunity to share and receive.” And in those moments, he concluded, the Lord is present among us. It underscores the importance of being together face-to-face that I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, a way of being together long valued by Brethren.
The second quote was shared by musician and storyteller Ken Medema (who is not Brethren but could be!) during the creative workshop that preceded our recent district conference. Reflecting on the quote, “When we sing, we announce our existence”—exemplified by the persistent and insistent songs of birds—Ken posed the question: “With what will you announce your existence?”
In other words, what is your unique “song”? What gift or message or creation will make your mark on the world? Those attending the workshop pondered and discussed that question around the tables of the York Center fellowship hall.
While it didn’t strike me at the time, I later thought that the two weave together rather meaningfully. It is perhaps in the very act of gathering around the table, in all sorts of shapes and forms, that we find our voice, our message, our song—the courage to announce our existence. Our communities, our circles of trust, equip us.
In a season of great uncertainty for our church, our country, and beyond, we find the strength to continue to make our presence known because of those with whom we share the journey. As you gather around tables near and far this Thanksgiving season, may you—with gratitude—find the unique song you need to share with the world in these times.
The first came from Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement communications for the Church of the Brethren. In an October reflection, Matt talked about the importance of gathering around the table, noting the frequency with which Jesus did that alongside a wide variety of people.
“Every time we gather around a table,” he wrote, “something sacred is happening. Every gathering is an opportunity to share and receive.” And in those moments, he concluded, the Lord is present among us. It underscores the importance of being together face-to-face that I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, a way of being together long valued by Brethren.
The second quote was shared by musician and storyteller Ken Medema (who is not Brethren but could be!) during the creative workshop that preceded our recent district conference. Reflecting on the quote, “When we sing, we announce our existence”—exemplified by the persistent and insistent songs of birds—Ken posed the question: “With what will you announce your existence?”
In other words, what is your unique “song”? What gift or message or creation will make your mark on the world? Those attending the workshop pondered and discussed that question around the tables of the York Center fellowship hall.
While it didn’t strike me at the time, I later thought that the two weave together rather meaningfully. It is perhaps in the very act of gathering around the table, in all sorts of shapes and forms, that we find our voice, our message, our song—the courage to announce our existence. Our communities, our circles of trust, equip us.
In a season of great uncertainty for our church, our country, and beyond, we find the strength to continue to make our presence known because of those with whom we share the journey. As you gather around tables near and far this Thanksgiving season, may you—with gratitude—find the unique song you need to share with the world in these times.
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