Who Are We?

Faith Lutheran Church in Quincy is steeped in history.  Many families boast several generations that have attended the church.  They have been part of the city for many years.  They share many stories, and members have known one another for decades.  This history is important as they begin to grapple with the question of Who are we?   The answer to that question begins the synod strategic planning process that will be shared with all congregations over the next three years.  The process includes three steps:  Be who you are.  See what you have.  Do what matters.

The first step is figuring out ‘who you are’ – the past, the present and the future - all rolled into one.  Not an easy question to answer – who are we.  Faith has a past rich with stories and traditions, a present blessed with a growing congregation and a future bursting with potential.  How to combine past traditions with future promise?  How to honor generations of families who’ve worshiped there for years and yet be welcoming to new members?  How to adapt to changing needs in the community, re-examining how Faith has served yesterday, and how it might serve tomorrow?

As a member of one church for the first four decades of my life, the church to which my parents belonged for two decades before that, I understand the comfort and security of a well known, well loved place.  I understand the struggle with which traditions and customs are gently molded to adjust to a new day and time.  I also understand the incredible growth that can occur by building on past strengths and channeling them in new directions.

As a non member of Faith and one familiar with organizational change, I was asked to spend the day with the church council from Faith as they worked on that first step.  Investing in their future, they spent hours wrestling with the question – Who are we?  Putting expectations and opportunity, hopes and fears on the table as they shared with one another how they’d answer the question of Who is Faith?  I’d like to say they answered that first question and are moving on to the second.  But an afternoon is not nearly enough time to define an organization that has been serving family and community for many years.  It is however, enough time to plant the seed, get some important questions asked and start the process of being who you are.

As we journey through the Advent season, what better time to remember to do what matters.  We’re surrounded by the secular celebration of Christmas - perhaps we should recall the following.  “If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things, if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi?  Or sit and watch the stars as did the Shepherds?  Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary?  For each one of us there is a desert to travel, a star to discover, and a being within ourselves to bring to life.” (attributed to Eric Ericson).

Be who you are – a being within ourselves to bring to life

See what you have – a star to discover

Do what matters – travel the desert toward the Christ child

May your Advent be blessed with the true gift of Christmas to share with others.

Martha Bayliss Whyte

Christ the King, Holliston