The June Retreat was something of a misnomer. This gathering was work! Representatives from both Catalyst and Observer churches put in long hours, wrestling together to cast vision, to wonder about mission, and to grapple with difficult questions.
Coffee fuelled gatherings had us give our full focus to this endeavour of trying to dance together while keeping in step with the Holy Spirit’s lead. Finally, finally, by day two, we were blessed with life giving sustenance to keep our spirits up and keep the creative juices flowing: chocolate! And we were energized.
As for retreats, committee work, and Board gatherings, this wasn’t my first rodeo. Like so many others, I’ve served in many of these areas alongside wise and faithful people – true foot washers who willingly gave of their time, skills, gifts and even sacrificed their peace of mind for such work. In every such gathering, we also gather our hopes, our dreams and our big opinions. The June Retreat was no different. What an exciting think tank to be a part of! And what a marvellously diverse group!
The common ground between us was not our conformity to one idea, to one way or one direction. No, we found true communion together in Christ Jesus. Time and again we were reminded of our true foundation and how we will be known: Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1John 4:11-12). Did that mean there was no difficulty among us? That we agreed on all things? Definitely not! There were times of tension, times of disagreement, times when we were at an impasse. How delightful! Instead of rejecting or pulling away from each other, the Spirit of God pulled us closer, and gathered us to stand shoulder to shoulder within the tension of our differences without animosity, but in friendship. Together, in fellowship – because the God we love, serve and follow has gathered us. And his generous love, wide and boundless mercy, abundant grace is the wide open space we found our connection in. Praise God for this gathering, and this work!
~Michelle Kool
Pastor, Gardens Community Church
St. Albert, AB
