I’ve been thinking a lot about church this week: what it is, what we do, why we do it, and, here at McKnight, where we are going. I’ve heard from some of you, puzzled as to why some (often younger) people now think they don’t need to come to church each week, or that they think it enough that they worship on their own. And we should spend some time exploring those questions, because in the Bible people worship together as well as pray individually.

Beyond those general questions about what church is, we at McKnight are a specific church community. What happens here? We’re a neighborhood church: what does that mean? We are not a mega-church: what does that mean? We offer something different, something specific, and a church never comes down only to the pastor. So we need to think together about what we think happens here, and whether that is where we want to be or go.

For instance, McKnight has a strong commitment to mission: we want to love and help the people around us. I’ve seen a commitment here to praying for each other, and being mindful of each other—and McKnight is a church that is of a size that you actually know who you are praying for. What else can you think of that “is” McKnight? And what do you want McKnight to be or do next?

As you consider these questions, I’d love to hear from you: your memories, your ideas, your reflections—feel free to call, email, or come into the office, so we can think together.

Becky

A blessing for the start of a new school year

(Is anyone really ready?!)

The year is tilting toward the start of school again,

but truth be told, we’re not ready.

We’re still hanging on to summer, to the promise it held

for long-awaited connections and celebrations,

for refreshment for our bodies and souls

in water and sky and color and sunlight,

and all those little moments given to us

where we could linger just a little longer.

Now that it’s almost over, we don’t want to let it go.

The beauty. The freedom. All that was life giving.

God, could you help us stretch it, extend it,

and maybe even blend it

into this coming school year?

Parents, students, teachers, all,

May your newly-structured days breathe with creativity,

your new duties be infused with delight.

As you write on those fresh new calendars

May you trust that your plans are a lot like magic ink.

Much may seem to disappear into obscurity,

but whatever is done in love will remain.

Amen.

Kate Bowler