Transformation in a Thin Place
by Brenda
For quite awhile I’ve heard people refer to Montreat as a “thin place”—a place where heaven and earth seem separated by only a membrane…a place where it’s easy to glimpse God’s kingdom on earth. I trusted what I was told…but now I actually get it. The experience is truly transformational. During the conference week our minds and hearts were engaged in a wide variety of activities that grew our faith and our discipleship practices—worshipping with the large conference group, discussing scripture and sermons with our small groups, and sharing nightly devotions in the intimate setting of our “back-home” group. It was truly a week of living the Forest Hills vision statement. Both adults and youth explored their gifts and became better equipped to use them. We talked about faith, and we put it into action by reaching out to others. This year in particular was a good time to see that happen, as we shared a house with a group of Montreat first-timers. Our youth stepped up to mentor these folks in a number of ways, including how to have thoughtful and thought-provoking discussions of keynotes, sermons, and scripture, how to plan and lead group devotions, and how to notice the presence of God. Probably without even being consciously aware of it, our youth responded, “Here I am,” over and over again when the Spirit called.
I, for one, came back from that thin place feeling as though I had returned from another planet...or at least another time zone. But i can assure you that we did not leave our Montreat experiences on the mountain. The renewal and strengthening of faith that we all gained from our trip remains with us and we will continue to take root and to blossom.
Traditions
By Claire
The first year Mom and Dad "suggested" we deliver Mobile Meals on Christmas Day, I was furious. I complained. I pouted. I refused to go. Christmas Day is precious to me. My preacher parents are home. All. Day. Long. They are not planning sermons or writing Sunday School materials. They are not answering texts and calls from congregation members in need. People usually manage not to die or get married and therefore there is no wedding or funeral to prepare for and attend. Our family gets to be “normal.” We get to spend time together opening presents, preparing and eating delicious food (with plenty left over), and we even go to the movies (when we can all agree on which one). I didn’t want this family time to change. The rest of the world could wait.
I went with them the second year they delivered Mobile Meals. Begrudgingly. We postponed presents by an hour and lunch by two. We still made the movie, ate popcorn, and drank diet coke. But those things didn’t seem so important. I did not lose time with my preacher-parents. With them, I handed food and love to my brothers and sisters in Christ and realized they are my family too.
On a day in which we celebrate the new life of Jesus, God-with-us, and claim the promise of new life as we follow Christ, I realized just how different my life is to those we minister to with Mobile Meals. I realized that I am not called to selfishly cling to the wonderful life I live, no matter how justified it seems. (I’m just asking to spend quality time with my family after all.) I am called to reach out and embrace my family in Christ.
On Christmas morning, for my immediate family, that means making sure our brothers and sisters do not go hungry. For me, now, it’s the only tradition that matters.
Walking a Labyrinth
by Carole
It was the first time I had ever walked a labyrinth, and really I did not know what to expect. I had read about them and seen pictures so I knew the pattern. But what about the experience? I guessed it was supposed to be "spiritual," but I was a bit worried that I would not feel anything.
The idea to visit the labyrinth came from a Tuesday evening prayer group. Others in the group had participated in this ancient practice and encouraged us to do the same. We picked a date and traveled to a nearby church to walk. Erica gave me some information to guide my walk.
We entered as we were ready. I started, but stopped and returned to the car to grab my phone and take some pictures for my granddaughter who had never heard of a labyrinth.
After I entered the second time, I got lost as I traveled the gravel path...lost in God's Love and lost in the closeness to God I felt. This is the hard part to describe; words are inadequate. I felt God with me, and I was walking, living, breathing one of my favorite scriptures, Joshua 1:9: "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
These words have carried me through some tough times. I was blessed to enter the labyrinth and walk with God and others who encouraged me.
I would love to walk with others in a labyrinth journey.