Dear Ones of St. Columba's,

Last week was Good Shepherd Sunday, otherwise known as the Fourth Sunday of Easter. I love our St. C's tradition around this day, which is to let the kids take over the church in whatever ways they want to, and to intentionally plan a service with children at the center of our worship circle. This doesn't mean our kids perform or are put "on stage." It means we offer them the chance to try things out that normally adults are doing, things like greeting and reading. It also means we choose songs that we think they will love, and preach a sermon that is for them. This past Sunday we also baptized a child into the household of God - putting him at the very center of our circle of love, hope, and communion. 

A clergy colleague of mine from out of state happened to be visiting last week and told me he had a blast - "that was organized chaos!" he said. He meant it as a compliment and I took it as such! What a wonderful way to describe our life together - always moving, always changing, sometimes appearing chaotic, but also filled with intention to include, to celebrate, and to love. 

Of course there are times when the chaos is more prominent than the loving intention. There are moments, especially in these turbulent times we are living in, when a little more structure might feel attractive. 

I get it. And, last Sunday morning when 5 year old Cascade decided that "kids take over the church" for her meant that she would dance as freely as she wanted throughout the entire service, I saw the Holy Spirit at work in our midst. When our team of greeters, ages six to seven, bowed carefully and shouted sweet "welcome!" to each person who entered church, I felt the warmth of the love of Jesus. And when I lowered a startled baby Sawyer (who had been sleeping so very sweetly a moment before) into the font that holds the mysterious, creative waters of baptism I knew in my bones that God was smiling on us all. 

Church should have some chaos. Order too. We need balance to find the comfort, freedom, and challenge we need in this place. 

As we move into discussion about what happens next with children and youth here, I plan to hold this image of organized chaos in my mind. We have what we need to love, form, include, and listen to our younger members. Let's lean into the chaos of the future and listen to God's direction about what happens next.

with care and gratitude,

Alissa