The Pastor’s Desk…

       Who? What? When? Where? How? Why?  

These are the big six questions of life. 

       For a while now, I have been answering these questions quite often. What is being done to the sanctuary? How long is it going to take? When will we get the permits? They are all good questions, and I do my best to answer them.  But, as our adventurous project gets started,  and especially when more red tape or complications arise,  I remind myself that the key question aren’t the first five, but the last one— Why? 

      We have used the words “refurbishing” and “renovation.”  These words mean more to me  than just repairing what is broken or worn. It is more than a new coat of paint and a  fresh look. In essence, and perhaps in church language, it means “renewal.”  It is a time when we remember why we are here, the mission that has been laid out before us, and the tasks of ministry at hand. Our  founders did not organize our congregation  simply to provide an attractive room where they could meet with friends over coffee and bagels and  listen to beautiful organ music. They built a functional worship space that allowed them to worship and to bear witness to their faith. They were so passionate about their faith that their witness would lead to the founding of every other Moravian church on Staten Island.

     As our sanctuary goes through a time of “renewal”, as we repair and refresh that sacred space, I remind myself that in the end, the success of the project will not be about where the painting will be hanging, or the beauty of the organ, it will be about continuing to provide a functional, accessible, worshipful space where the Gospel is passionately proclaimed.

     Still, I would challenge everyone to look at this time as an opportunity for personal “renewal” and “refurbishing.”  It’s a time when we can all evaluate what we are doing, and ask the question of why we are doing it? Are there things in our lives that need some “adjustment” or some “repair” ?  Susan and I have been walking more. (I’m down about 8 pounds.) But, as I have pondered the questions, I am finding more things to put on my “to do” list. Some of them are about personal dreams, like traveling to Prague and Herrnhut, which I will do later this month. Some are professional, like learning new skills to better lead and serve the church. Some are spiritual, because my “why” is because  I want to      continue to  discern how and where God wants and needs me to serve.

      For now, my place is here.  And I am excited about the opportunities for worship and witness that our renewed sanctuary will provide.

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