Christian Faith as a Journey
I was reminded that for thousands of years the church has understood faith to be a process, a journey. There is not one moment, but many moments when the person encounters Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit becomes evident. Many Presbyterians do not speak of faith as a “one and done” encounter with God but living and maturing over a long period of time. Our Fort Hill vision is, “Joining together on a journey of Christian faith, we seek to be disciples of Christ who share God’s love in our community and around the world.”
Some of us will be going on an actual journey together to Italy, the other holy land, where the early church flourished even under persecution. Peter and the Apostle Paul spent time in Rome. We hope to journey together in Christian community as we see God in the people, places, churches, we enjoy. But even if we stay put, we are on a journey of faith. This prayer attributed to St. Brendan is a great prayer whether setting out on a new adventure, a new endeavor, a new way of serving God. God will show us things as we follow in the Way. Here is a prayer to pray before the journey:
“Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown. Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You. Christ of the mysteries, I trust You to be stronger than each storm within me. I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand. Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for You.”
On Sunday, October 4, World Communion Sunday, we will celebrate several ways God has been at work in the world. First, at the Table where Christians around the world feast together, in unity. Secondly, we give thanks for world missions, especially Medical Missions which included over fifty trips around the globe to bring sight to the blind and safe water and kitchens. And finally, as it is St. Francis day, we will have a Blessing of the Stuffies with special music by all our choirs.
In Christ’s Care,
Laura Conrad, Pastor