It's Thursday evening, the night before the United Church of Christ General Synod 27 will begin and the streets of Grand Rapids are slowly being birthed with a populating mass of black comma appliqued apparel. Banners, welcoming the United Church of Christ on behalf of the city are strategically placed on the main furloughs entering the city. From a corporation background, my mind envelopes the gesture, and finds it to be rather cordial. After a year immersed in the UCC, my heart revels in the upcoming joy that will be brought to many in Grand Rapids MI by the spirit of the people of the UCC.
It it time to eat, and I venture with the Conference Staff and a pastor who has shared the six hour commute with me while talking about nearly everything imaginable from the church to Aino and Toivo jokes. She loves her "job" as a pastor more than any CEO or executive I have met.
I pause cautiously, waiting for the walk sign to direct while chatter quickly erupt and hugs are exchanged between Wisconsin Conference members and remembered aquaintences. The business talk is quick and asks the usual "how are you? Which church in which town are you serving?"
My ears listen and enjoy the greeting between our Conference Minister and an older gentleman with sparkling blue eyes clearer than Michigan's own Lake Superior on a spring day after the ice has vacated. The sun bounces off his forehead, while I search behind him to observe the Pedestrian signals, but really watching his expressions; full of exhuberance and anticipation - a genuine excitement in what is to come. His questions become personal, and he remembers family; asks of their welfare with a simplistic true sincerity. Embraces are exchanged once again and I revel in the true art & beauty of this connection.
THIS is our church. I stand from the outside; look inside; circle the beauty and hover over it like a honeybee in springtime over gladiolas - anticipating this birth. I reach and pull the beveled glass door of our eating space - remind myself that "Where ever I am on Life's Journey - I am welcome here." - and HERE, in the UCC is a space full of love, acceptance, grace and respect.
Dawn will break in 7 hours - Grand Rapids, MI; our journey begins.
It it time to eat, and I venture with the Conference Staff and a pastor who has shared the six hour commute with me while talking about nearly everything imaginable from the church to Aino and Toivo jokes. She loves her "job" as a pastor more than any CEO or executive I have met.
I pause cautiously, waiting for the walk sign to direct while chatter quickly erupt and hugs are exchanged between Wisconsin Conference members and remembered aquaintences. The business talk is quick and asks the usual "how are you? Which church in which town are you serving?"
My ears listen and enjoy the greeting between our Conference Minister and an older gentleman with sparkling blue eyes clearer than Michigan's own Lake Superior on a spring day after the ice has vacated. The sun bounces off his forehead, while I search behind him to observe the Pedestrian signals, but really watching his expressions; full of exhuberance and anticipation - a genuine excitement in what is to come. His questions become personal, and he remembers family; asks of their welfare with a simplistic true sincerity. Embraces are exchanged once again and I revel in the true art & beauty of this connection.
THIS is our church. I stand from the outside; look inside; circle the beauty and hover over it like a honeybee in springtime over gladiolas - anticipating this birth. I reach and pull the beveled glass door of our eating space - remind myself that "Where ever I am on Life's Journey - I am welcome here." - and HERE, in the UCC is a space full of love, acceptance, grace and respect.
Dawn will break in 7 hours - Grand Rapids, MI; our journey begins.
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