The more I delve into institutions like churches, religions, and social structures, the more I come to appreciate the reality of “Institutional DNA.” Some will argue that institutions don’t have DNA because there is no definite source of the Institution. Likewise, in theory, institutions should evolve with time and experience. However, as I like to say when discussing the Bible and biblical stories and people, the only difference between the characters of “Exodus” and today is we’re faster.
As we begin the journey from Pentecost to Advent in a few short months we will hopefully continue our reflections on our DNA – whether it be church, social, political, or familial. As we observed in this week’s book group gathering, what we experience as a nation and a church today has a direct link to the founding of the United States – for good, ill, or ambivalence. As we dig deeper into our history, we will find patterns of behavior from today which are impacted by the past.
We will work as a community to identify where we come from and where we want to go as people of God. How so? On Sep. 15 we will convene an in-person Sacred Ground circle to look at the intersection of the Episcopal Church and our Nation since our founding. Our class will be facilitated by Deacon Meredith every other Sunday. On alternating Sundays, we will include a conversation around the worship and scripture of the day, how we view the cornerstones of our faith leading us forward to our future. Finally, as part of our pledge campaign, we will consider our story as individuals in this Episcopal Church and ways that God is inviting us deeper into our work to bring God’s kingdom to our world today. Look for more details in the coming weeks.
Blessings, Fr. Les+
