The Church Receives and Gives Life

The parish that is filled with the Word, 
Gives birth to countless wonderful things.
Yet it lays no claim to them. 
It brings nurture to many people.
Yet it does not seek to count them. 
Its work permeates the heart of the community.
Yet the community does not know it is there. 
They only know that they feel content.
This parish does not know it is great. The community does not know it is great.
Therefore it is truly great.

Anxiousness about the future destroys the life of a congregation.
Out of this anxiousness, the people try to control events.
This is a tremendous waste of energy, and drains the people of spiritual power.

The church wisely centered in the Word
Produces great contentment for the people.
The activities of the church keep them 
Just busy enough to gain satisfaction
But do not detract from their loved ones.
They enjoy their pastor
Because they do not expect him to be
Other than what he is.
Their spirits are nurtured gently
By quiet and solitude and room to be.
They care for one another
Without needing certain responses in return.
They share food and song
Sorrow and joy.
And become more and more free from fear.

It is the invisible center where the spokes of a wheel meet that allows the wheel to move.
It is the empty space within that makes a bowl useful.

The congregation empties herself
Of agenda and expectation
So that the Spirit of God may fill her.

     William Martin