As 2012 begins, I am resisting making "resolutions," but I am reflecting on my life and about "best practices" that are important to me.  One "practice" that I have begun this year is gathering around the table pictured here once a month with six colleagues from different denominations.  We worship and pray together, we study together, and we hold one another accountable for bringing our best selves to ministry.  Each time we meet, I am grateful for the time together.  I am grateful for this group's perspective and wisdom, and for deepening friendships. 

I know that at Rock Spring there are some who find this kind of support in Sacred Circles or in one of our small group ministries.  What helps you keep things in perspective and bring your best self forward? 

Breaking Bread

I like Tuesday mornings.

They begin with my spending a couple of hours reading and studying the scripture that will be used in worship on the following Sunday.  Typically, I become so absorbed in what I am doing that I find myself jumping in the shower at 9:45 a.m. or so and (literally) running over to the church (some times with a few hairs still a little wet) to the Tuesday morning Bible Study that begins each week at 10 a.m.

As predictable as this pattern of mine is becoming, so are a few others.  I will walk into the Saegmuller Room and the coffee will be brewing, the Bibles will be placed out on the table, people will casually be gathering as they share what has been going on in their lives.  And Dick will be carefully cutting a loaf of zucchini bread for us to share from Pastries by Randolph. 

Soon we will begin reading out loud the texts I have been engaged with all morning.  We will talk about them, ask questions, and talk some more.  We will share some zucchini bread.  Often, in the midst of all of that I will have an "ah-ha" moment.   I find that more often than not my "ah-ha" moments happen not when I am in holed up with my books by myself, but when I am in conversation with others.  Might that have been what the disciples meant they said Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread? (Luke 24:35) Maybe it was zucchini bread.