Summer is now in full swing and with its access to “The Mount,” proximity to the water, and popular food destinations, Center Harbor is bustling. Meanwhile, life at Center Harbor Congregational Church slows down a bit (besides preparing for, hosting, and taking down the craft fair and flea market.) A few weeks ago we read that while Jesus had many disciples, he chose his closest twelve to send out as apostles. Before his death and Resurrection, he sent them to heal their fellow Jews who were harassed and helpless by unjust leaders. Then he sent them out to spread the good news to all of creation after his death and Resurrection.

 

 

Perhaps, while we take a break from intra-community activities like committee meetings, Bible study, and Sunday school, we could focus on inter-community activities. Perhaps, instead of thinking in terms of gathering, we could think in terms of sending out, just like Jesus sent out his apostles. We already do this in some significant physical ways. We meet for ice cream, not in Gilpatric hall, but in a different community location each week. We hold worship, not in our sanctuary, but outside on the church lawn where we are visible to passersby. And we work together with crafters and vendors from the community to pull off our fair.

 

 

In what other ways do you imitate Jesus’ apostles out in the world? Do you think of yourselves as ambassadors for CHCC when you are out in the community during the week? I look forward to worshiping with you all this summer in the sanctuary of grass and trees, with the music of birdsong, seated in pews of moveable chairs. And I look forward to imagining new ways of being church “outside the box” of our building’s walls.

 

 

~Pastor Alison