Playing with New Ways of Gathering
In our community of playful friends, we are once again experimenting with new things. We have tried outdoors and inside, online and in person. Regardless of location, it has been lovely to move back into new ways of being together! I am grateful each week for flexibility and the fun of connecting once again. Each week, we do so in deep and thoughtful ways, as well as light and fun ones!
We gather in ways that open us to new learning and more options, widening the circle of all who can join us by being conscious of not changing, but expanding our options. We create spaces in which it is safe enough to be creative. In our congregation, we find we can experiment and learn to do different things. These are spaces where we may make mistakes, knowing that there is forgiveness and grace enough for us all. In this space, we are free to play.
Sometimes people think of play as a childish thing, something done by the very young or the immature. Instead, in this month of June, as we return to being together in person as well as online, let us think of the theme of play as an invitation. This is spaciousness to be creative and kind with one another. We offer room to laugh and enjoy one another’s company. And we hope you can to let things be a little wobbly and “good enough” as we try them out.
This summer, let it be a bit like the Calvin and Hobbes comics of my youth. Let it be the creative chaos in which the youngsters play “Calvin Ball.” Just as in the comics, reality itself is a game with no written or pre-set rules. We live in experimental space, with an ever changing way of playing. These weeks, our ways of being will be new each time we get together. Let us be in the space of creative chaos that is fun and worthy of our joy.
This is a season in which we will try new things. We anticipate and hope to be in communication with you all. Let us know what works. Tell us what’s great, what’s a little rough, and what’s hilariously out of whack as we try things on for size. Like Calvin and Hobbes, let’s figure out the goals. Then, let’s move up the field in every way we can imagine to try it!
