Imagination

Dear Friends in Christ -

One of the joys of my work is that I regularly have the opportunity to be creative . . . writing, trying new things, finding ways to fan the spark of an old tradition into flame in our midst today.

Ironically, I'm finding it a challenge to put together something fresh and new for the blog today. Perhaps it's because this week I'm using my creative energy to write seven sermons (in addition to the regular 2 for St. Paul's, I'm giving 5 this week at the Yale Summer Course that Ed and I are teaching) and a couple of things for parish publications.

Part of the joy in all the writing I'm doing is that I'm not penning down ideas in a vacuum. I'm reading what others have written and am hearing others' thoughts in discussion. Engaging with others about beautiful and true and good things is so encouraging and up lifting! It's also, according to renown Episcopal preacher Barbara Brown Taylor, the central task of the church. Who else is going to dare to pray and hope and work for renewal in and through all things? Businesses are committed to doing what's profitable. The academy is committed to upholding tradition and expanding knowledge. The political system is committed to governance (and getting re-elected!). Only the Church is committed to transformation (of ourselves of the world, in spite of the difficulties of change) for the sake of justice and joy for all.

This day and always, may God fire our imaginations and empower us to bring His Kingdom here. Now.

Faithfully,
Janet+