Gather, Transform, Send
Archbishop William Temple referred to the church as “the only institution that exist for people who are not its members.” This is true, but the paradox is that the more faithful we are about how we gather as a community, the more effective we are in reaching and caring for those people beyond our doors.
Think of church (or cathedral) life as a sacred rhythm that has three movements: we gather, our faith transforms us, and then we are sent into the world to share the good news and to bear witness to God’s justice, mercy, and love.
Gathering is where we turn the phrase “all are welcome” into a reality. We are present in the community, we offer invitation, and when folks come to Trinity, whether for church or an event, we offer Christlike hospitality and practical ways to grow together.
Transformation happens next when, in the life of the congregation, we “are baptized, fed, and renewed to become the people whose presence the world needs.” It is, in the words of the College for Congregational Development (CCD), “the gradual process begun in baptism, and continued in liturgy, relationships, sacraments, and programs,” through which we become the Body of Christ.
Finally, God sends us into the world to proclaim the good news in our families, our workplaces, and our communities.
This may seem linear at first, but is ultimately cyclical. We are always in a process of Gathering, Transforming, and Sending, and each shapes the other.
On February 2-3 at our annual Diocesan Convocation, we will explore the many layers of Gather/Transform/Send and be led by CCD facilitators. After my week of formation with CCD last summer, I am thrilled for all of us to have the opportunity to participate.
Convocation is open to us all, so I hope you’ll consider being a part of this Diocesan community gathering. If you’re interested, register here. Online registration closes tomorrow, but same-day registration will also be available at Kalahari. I look forward to growing together in our capacity to gather, transform, and send one another into the world.
The Very Rev. Bernard J. Owens