Wow, this is really cool. Getting comments - thanks Lorna and Sally - and becoming a part of the RevGalBlogPals. I knew of the pals because of Lorna and have written a couple of meditations (is that a good choice for words for them?) for two books. I love the idea of getting together from across the globe and sharing what we think and how we understand, well, anything and everything. Thank you for letting me join the gang! It really means a lot to me.I'm a priest, which just is not the most popular choice for a profession, I am the pastor of an international congregation and there are extremely few of us in Finland, I lost both my parents before I was 30 and I'm an only child, for the longest time I was single and my hobby was rock climbing. As you write it down it doesn't look very extraordinary, and it isn't. However, I have nonetheless often felt that my life has put me on the outer rim of what ever it is that life is. I've often been struck with a sense of being the odd ball out. I really don't mind it either, I kind of like being a bit different, but then at times when I am invited to join in I feel very thankful and well, blessed. That is also why I love my congregation very much. They invited me in with open arms.
I trust that God knows why He's wanted me where I am. I am in fact thankful of how things have gone and how they are. I see purpose and meaning to it all, even to the very hardest parts. People and the way their lives enfold themselves fascinate me - although I'm not quite sure how to explain why. Perhaps the best way to put it is to say that I see something of God in the lives of others much the same way that I see Him in my own life and the more I see the more I love and admire God. Standing here, a bit closer to the outskirts, gives me the feeling of seeing things in a wider, more encompassing perspective.
I feel strangely honoured that I have been chosen to stand where I stand. I feel that I have been trusted with an important task of being a witness to the lives of people around me who give me the incredible gift of letting me into their lives. I find it strangely fulfilling. Given that I also enjoy being the centre of attention I think that this is rather a quirky turn of events.
4 comments:
Of which religious faiths can people join the International Congregation? I think of myself as spiritual but not belonging to any particular religion...
A good question, thank you for asking it. Now the basic thing is that the International Congregation is mostly made of people representing different Christian denominations. Sometimes people who do not represent any particular faith join in, too. Incidentally you cannot really become a member in the same sense as becoming a member of, say, the Cathedral congregation. Membership in our case means that you come to the services and become a part of our group. Simple.
The services are open for everyone.Sometimes people who do not know what the Eucharist is about come to Communion, too. This is where there is a a problem because Eucharist is in fact only for baptized Christians. A blessing on the other hand is available for all.
Does this answer your question? And, also, welcome to church :).
interesting question - and well answered Mia
I've heard of some church having inter-faith Eucharist - and to be honest that leaves me feeling very very disturbed - how can the body of Christ be celebrated in the name of Allah or anyone but God (as in the trinity)
That said I'm very much in favour of inter-faith dialogue - not that there's really much need for it here in Finland when most people are at least nominally Christians - and what is needed more here is inter-denomination dialogue and co-operation. I think that's very much linked to my own view of church - that together the denominations make up the body of Christ - and together we can impact this town for good, helping people in their faith journey - from passive (state) Christianity into a more active and personal relationship with Christ. However they choose to live our that relationship - is - IMHO - down to them and their preferences -it's not only about church attendance :)
what do you think Miapappi ?
Welcome to the RevGals Miapappi! I look forward to reading your English entries. It's also cool to see the Finnish and try to figure out a little bit, since my husband's paternal ancestry is Finnish (his name is Honkanen). My father-in-law grew up in the woods of Minnesota and spoke no English till he went to school, but sadly has lost most of his Finnish.
Maybe you can join us for Friday Five sometime? This week was really fun reflecting on what Holy Week and Triduum mean to us.
I also love the brave penguin at the bottom of the page!
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