Hello all,
Welcome! This is the first post inaugurating a group, a community, a way of life different from anything I've yet been able to track down.
I'm not going to call us a religious group. I'm not going to call us a club. I'm not going to call us a church.
Instead, I'm going to say that we're human beings committed first and foremost to being utterly human--totally laying claim to our inherent freedom. We are here for conversation, for laughs, for encouragement, for friendship. But most of all, we're here for each other.
I had the idea to get this thing going, but I don't want to be anything more than a willing participant and host. I'm a pastor by nature, a shepherd and committed confidant to many people. And, that is a role I will fill regardless. But, I don't want the false authority that often gets attributed to the word pastor. I am just a person. A person with failings and struggles and more imperfections than I care to count.
Along those lines, I would like to put a few things out there from the outset...
1. I have no idea what I'm doing. The idea for beginning this group has been noodling its way around the back of mind for almost 5 years now. And even though I have decent intuition, I have no way of knowing what will happen. There is no 20-year vision for this. It's a jump in with both feet and ride the wave wherever it takes me sort of thing, so... BUCKLE UP!
2. Starting something revolutionary and new scares the living shit out of me. There are a million and one things that could go horribly wrong with this idea--everything from logistics, to hurting very willing, beautiful souls. Forgiveness, grace, and patience is going to be crucial... from all of you to me, and from myself to myself.
3. Inherent human freedom and a radical commitment to love are paramount here. As a friend of mine and I were discussing this crazy scheme of mine, we decided that the group should have only one rule-- "Don't be a dick!" In other words, treat others with respect, dignity, and compassion. Plain and simple. Listen quick. Speak slow. Laugh a lot. Open hands, open arms, open hearts, open minds.
4. Hierarchy won't fly around here. There is no singular leadership. There is no constitution. There is no contract. No conditions for membership. Show up, bring chips, and an open mind. If you bring wine, you get to start the conversation and don't have to do the dishes. :)
So... now you might be wondering a few things...
Q: Who's this for?
A: Anyone, and everyone! Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, Wiccan, Pastafarian LGBTQA, Conservative, Liberal, White, Brown, Purple with Polka Dots, soft-spoken, loud and boisterous, tall, short, skinny, not so skinny, vegetarian, carnivore, Coke or Pepsi, Vikings or Packers, artist, IT specialist, musician, counselor, pastor, secretary, burger flipper, rich, poor, tea or coffee, well-read or not so much, from Mars or Gallifrey.... In other words, literally everyone and anyone is welcome.
Q: Will there be weekly meetings with Gregorian chants and stuffy ritual?
A: No on both counts, unless we decide that that's something we want. We will meet once or twice a month and there's no guilt or obligation. If you can't make it, we get it. Life happens. No sweat. We won't be taking attendance or anything like that and your salvation is not at all dependent on whether or not you come.
Q: What will we do when we meet?
A: Talk about life. Laugh a lot. Show concern and compassion for each other. Listen to each other. EAT delicious food! (Pot lucks were my favorite part of church as a kid!) Play games. Discuss matters of faith. Banter about God (whoever and whatever He/She/It looks like for you...) Get into it about politics now and again. Support each other, form friendships, discuss openly and without judgment what we really think without feeling the need to hide. Think church without walls, creeds, popes, or condemnation.
Q: Why?
A: Why not?
Q: What do I wear?
A: Clothes. Fuzzy bunny slippers, a suit, 90's acid wash skinny jeans... (just kidding on that last one... some past trends need to stay in the past--retail therapy may be a necessity if you show up in those!) I will most likely be in sweats and a graphic tee... and I may or may not have brushed my hair that day.
Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: Does your friend have four legs and go "Woof" or "Meow?" If not, then absolutely bring a friend! Heck, bring a whole gaggle of friends! (No pets at my house--I'm quite allergic, and my landlord would be grumpy at me.)
Q: Will there be a sermon or anything?
A: Not unless you write one and share it. I don't have time in my life to prepare stuff like that. I'm a full-time student, working 3 or 4 jobs... do you honestly think I have time to sermonize y'all?
Q: Is this a co-ed sort of thing?
A: Um... duh! See note above about who is welcome!
Q: Will I have to watch my language and stuff?
A: Well, be respectful... racial slurs and rape jokes are just not funny. But, the idea is that you come as you are. So, if that means tossing in a "fuck," "shit," or "damn" or whatever... no judgin' here, darlin'! I cuss like a sailor all the time, and don't plan on censoring too much. Does that answer your question?
I'm nervous, excited and ready for the greatest adventure I've had yet!
All in, no matter what--this is going to be one hell of a ride and I can't wait!!!
~A. D.
God's Glorious Mess
