Several months ago, I began to post about a new liturgy we were introducing in my parish--the Vineyard Eucharist. It was an effort to respond to feedback and observation that the traditional choral Eucharist failed to reach out and minister to our families in ways that drew them in closer, helped them strengthen and well as be strengthened by our life in community.
Every now and then, the pieces have come together and this new liturgy has offered moments of lovely grace. But not always, maybe not even often enough. A couple of unexpected challenges have made it even harder. And now, the tug of my ministry with the Centro is pulling strongly, suggesting that it is time to let go of my role in support of family ministries at the parish. So today, we celebrated our final "Vineyard Eucharist" at least for now, as we enter the summer/growing season. I heard a comment that made me feel sad and glad all at once. Someone said, "you know, today is like that last game of the season in Little League. Finally, finally, everything is working right, the team is really in sync--and it's still the last game." Yup--and Dang! I'm glad to go out on that note. Sad to let go. A little bit wiser and less naive about everything that must work for a new liturgy to receive the breath of new life. More than a little apprehensive to move on not by force but by choice.
Again, today, even though I am sorting through lots of thoughts and feelings, I am grateful not to have to "process" all this with Spouseman. I got home before him and Light of My Life. They were out deep sea fishing and when they came in, they had that wind blown, happy, hot, satisfied with themselves look, even though they had never even gotten a bite. They jumped in the pool to cool off and on the spur of the moment, I jumped in the pool too, clothes and all. LoML was thrilled. Sabbath time...
sheer joy to jump in with clothes on!!! Made me smile!
Posted by: Cathy | May 04, 2008 at 08:36 PM