Sue Smarkala, Chair Membership Relations Committee
In this Lenten issue of The Uniter, our editor, Iain McGilveray, has suggested that ‘reflection’ be the general topic of articles. What a good question for a roving reporter to ask at our fellowship coffee time after service!
Reflecting on “what my church means to me” requires some time. Time to think about all the ways my church impacts me, informs me, molds me, teaches me, changes me.
First and foremost, my church is my community. I am closer to no other group in Ottawa. As I sit in the choir on a Sunday, I may not know every person in the pews out there – but I know they are my ‘village’. I care about them and they care about me. We, very likely, have common values and beliefs. We even have a common creed! As I travel around, doing my life in Ottawa, there probably is not another group of 400 people with whom I share that commonality.
I learn a lot about myself and others in my church. I learn about the care and concern folks have for one another and our world. I learn I am not alone. I learn from my reactions to various situations – aha -‘good way to react’ or whoops - ‘need to work on that reaction’. God intended me to learn in community to become a better person. I cannot learn about myself and others sitting at home alone.
I can make a difference in the world through my church. The participation of the United Church of Canada (UCC) in the world has always been a source of pride for me – and I explain that to folks outside the UCC every chance I get. Whether people agree with UCC stance or not – we speak up and are counted. I care about that. I am proud of my church.
Through Woodroffe United, I can make a difference in our local/Canadian community. I hear about situations where money and/or muscle are needed and can contribute as I wish. I know I would miss having that capability. The work our WUCH local outreach program does is a huge source of ‘family’ pride for me. Through the food banks we support, our Pastoral Care Team and/or Homebound visiting, shortbread cookie program, our mitten tree, our angel tree/White Gift Sunday – I get lots of chances to contribute. My church makes that possible for me.
So, not a short answer, and possibly not a complete answer, this is a bit about what my church is to me.
What is your church for you?