Several Sundays ago, I preached a sermon based on a passage from the book of James. In that passage, James told the early church community to share their stories with each other. In particular, they were to share their struggles and sorrows. In turn, the community was to listen with compassion and grace. In many ways, Jesus lifted up that same image for the church. He said that the world would know that we are his disciples by our love for each other.
This past Sunday, at the Adult Conversation during Sunday School, we had such an occasion of sharing and listening. Our time together was deep and meaningful. There were stories told, truths revealed, tears shed, and comfort given. We were a community of grace for each other. God was surely present. We ended with prayer and embraces. I was deeply impacted by the experience and I promised the group that I would take action. What had taken place needed to continue. And so, with that in mind, I want to offer the following proposal.
I would like propose that we offer a time of sharing and listening every Sunday during Sunday School. This would take the place of what we have called Adult Conversation. Our conversation would have a different focus. Opportunity would be given for people to tell their stories to the community and, as a community, we would listen in grace. We would intentionally practice what we are called to do for each other. Sometimes, those stories would be our struggles and sorrows. Sometimes, those stories would be our joys and blessings. We would be inviting real conversation where “how are you?” would not be a throwaway line. The time would be limited, but the door would be opened. If last Sunday was any indication, that time would be well spent and God would put that time to good use.
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