As we begin a new year, we can accept this time now – right now – to deeply breathe;
grateful this, too, is the Grace of God – known to us as Disciples of Christ.
“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
Being a part of Central Christian Church, Austin, helps me to breathe and to find rest
in the comfort of shared faith. Boy howdy, some challenging years have gone by. I’ve
often needed to remember to breathe calmly with Christ – and to catch my breath, to
listen, to gasp and cry, to pray and praise, and to sing.
Being able to breathe just to make it through yet another day of relentless wonder
and surprise; another day of the dismay and disorientation that living in this world this
past year hath given. (Again.) and Yay! We begin another year! Together. We can
breathe – calmly together – within congregation as Central Christian Church, Austin.
Being Church is more than being present on Sunday, but I encourage all y’all to craft
your time this coming year to visit Central downtown – to amble about our sanctuary,
our courtyard, down our alley, up our streets, thru our gardens, and across our
physical property.
Please visit whatever time of whatever day of the week you feel comfortable to safely
visit. There is a peacefulness in being present at church, and Pastor Layne will
continue to open the sanctuary for a couple hours on a couple days during the week
(he’ll be trying seasonally adjustable times). It is a wonderful opportunity to visit both
our building and our Senior Pastor.
The truths we confront – of climate change, pandemic, of governance, racism and
systemic racism, equality and livability, we face not just as individuals and nations,
but as humanity and as diverse children of God.
As Disciples of Christ, the truths that strengthen us unite us in faith, that in following
Christ, we demonstrate the Kingdom God, we help each other on Earth, as it is in
Heaven. So how do we serve? How will we be in renewed service this coming year?
Let’s take personal inventory, and also of the blessings we have known thru Central
Christian. Let us recognize the legacy we steward and understand the foundations
upon which we have the exciting opportunities and empowering responsibilities to
better be in service of Christ.
Pastor Layne shares with us that “Paul uses the analogy of a runner in a race always
pressing forward to gain the prize. We should never let up, never “coast”, never consider ourselves finished or complete.”
We begin this year with a Visioning Team being gathered and led by Nancy Goodman
-Gill. We can each reach out to share our own thoughts about the things we love
about being the church we are, but also our ideas as we strive for becoming the new
and better church God is calling us toward.
It is right to give thanks, it is incumbent to demonstrate our gratitude, being guided to
honor God by loving our neighbor. Happy New Year!
Peace be, be well.
Phil