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"Companions in the Wilderness"
December 2010

A dozen mission size congregations gathered to examine their worship life together. Stories were shared which enriched our individual and corporate lives. We explored the next steps offered through God’s call to engage in mutual mission. We examined our common spiritual practices and learned how to shape them according to our individual needs. Acknowledge-ment was made to the grace that is present in each community. Clearly, the Spirit is at work in small churches.

We exist in a time of change. No longer does the “comfort of the familiar” drive us. We seek that which freshens our faith, driving us deeper into the mystery that is communion. We recognize that communion is about relationship and the practice of faith is active and alive. We learned of a faith spoken of by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in describing the challenge of “cheap grace”. In the words of Bonhoeffer, “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” Thus, as communities of faith enriched by grace, we realize the possibility of action over inaction. We built upon the words from James that “faith without works is dead”. We sought to find within our own cities, towns and villages that which needs to be done in fulfilling the mission of God.

Surprisingly, it was easy! In sharing our congregational stories we came to see that which cultivates imagination and creativity. The gospel of Jesus Christ is seen as engaging diversity and empowering a missional imagination. We are called to enter into the life of the community we exist in. We are called to reach out to those who, like ourselves, seek a deeper understanding of God.

Size and age of the congregations presented themselves as an emerging theme. However, that didn’t mean that true ministry wasn’t being offered. One of the smallest congregations brings the outside world within the walls of the church by providing a space for a community talent show. Meals are served, the gospel is proclaimed, and congregations share their clergy with each other. Outreach is alive and thriving in small congregations. Local, regional, and international projects are developed and supported by church membership and by the communities within which they reside. Programs which support mission in Haiti, schools in Kenya, and soldiers in Afghanistan thrive in a culture where size just doesn’t matter, only spirit. Every congregation represented held some type of food drive for a local food pantry. One church has designed, and is in the process of building, a handicap accessible labyrinth. Each community engages some form of outreach which exceeds the boundary of size.

Small church congregations understand the need to look for answers and the need for hope. Size does not prevent us from experiencing God. We know that the God within every Christian will create something new and wonderful from the evil that may seek to overwhelm us. The conversation will not end because the conference is over. In fact, the conversation continues as small churches see how by working together we can overcome that which limits us. We have made a covenant to seek out one another, gather together, and engage in a new possibility, that which emerges will move us forward into the Kingdom.

Presented by the Reverend E.J. Rivet
January 10, 2011

Introducing The Classical 7 Circuit labyrinth As a Tool for Prayer

All Saints’ offers visitors to our grounds a beautiful tool for prayer and spiritual growth: a labyrinth. A labyrinth is not to be confused with a maze. A maze is a puzzle with many confusing paths. In a labyrinth, there is only one path. We have created a 7 circuit labyrinth, also known as the Cretan Labyrinth, for your use.

It is the assurance that you cannot lose your way that makes the labyrinth a wonderful tool for prayer and self-examination. Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people can not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer are substituted for such travel. Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. It is a path which you walk in the presence of God.2

The labyrinth provides focus for ones prayer as it is walked. The simple path is traveled without need for worry in finding the way out. Here is the real message of the labyrinth, for as we pray, God is always there guiding us to the next place in our lives. There is no need to worry or fear that which comes next, around the corner, or down the road we take, for God is always present for us.

Walk in Peace,
Father EJ

Suggestions for prayer while walking the labyrinth

• At the entrance: Prepare. Perhaps simply greet God or invite the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
• On the inward path: Letting go. Let go of things that impede your prayers. Free yourself from thinking of the obstacles to growth; deliberately lay aside each obstacle in order to open yourself to the Holy Spirit.
• At the center: Rest in God’s presence. Await his voice. Be at peace whether God speaks or not. Let His presence be His gift to you.
• On the outward path: Consider an action God is directing, or a commitment to which God is calling, or a choice God asks of you.
• At the exit: Give thanks for God’s presence and voice in your life. If you have made a commitment or reached a conclusion about your prayer concerns, speak your decision to God and internalize your experience.
• Depart in thanksgiving to serve the Lord.