(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
I am blessed to serve a “small, but mighty” congregation in the hilltown of Conway. We regularly have between 15 and 20 worshipping members, but our sanctuary is built for 200-plus, and our heating bills are a testament to how large our facility is! This is not an uncommon circumstance for many Franklin County churches these days and we readily admit that some have asked how — and why — we keep going.
To answer that question, we recently had an informal “church conversation.” As one might expect, we discussed our finances and our building … but only briefly. We talked about the age of our members and about how many hats each of us wears. We were honest and real about our strengths and our weaknesses. Individuals shared what the church means to them and how committed each one is to its future.
The historic building we call home is a lasting symbol of the role the church played in the early days of the town and throughout the centuries. Our bell tower rises toward heaven and reminds all of us that there is a need to look to something bigger and greater than ourselves. It hints at the reality that there is one God who created and loves us all and we acknowledged that we all feel a responsibility to be a light in our town, and to continue to share God’s love with all whom we meet.
So that is WHY we keep going.
Part two of that question is: HOW? With gratitude. That may sound like a simplistic answer, and it is unapologetically so. Gratitude is what keeps us moving forward as a church. We are able to see what IS there, while not focusing on what ISN’T.
We could look at our financial resources and bemoan the fact that we have less than we once had. Or we can look at them and give thanks that we have invested the gifts of previous generations well and they are supporting us as we move into our future.
We could look at the 13 people gathered around the table one morning and sigh over all we cannot do because there are so few of us, or we can celebrate all that we can do because we are willing and able and Spirit-led! We can lament that new and younger people aren’t flocking to the churches these days, or we can give thanks for the good health and terrific faith and service that those in the later decades of their lives bring to church each week.
Opening the door to the sanctuary on Sunday, one might see many empty pews. I see a group of people who so want to be together in community that they are all gathered in the front few pews, or occasionally in a ring of chairs for a more intimate circle worship time.
One might be surprised to discover which woman is the pastor … for she doesn’t wear a robe that might set her apart from the people. As announcements begin, the comfortable camaraderie of the people is apparent as the laughter and playful banter ensues. When joys and concerns are lifted up by members of the congregation, true delight arises as folks hear of celebrations or tiny positive highlights from the week; genuine sorrow steals across faces as we share news of those we have lost; and if a member of the community is struggling, someone is quick to suggest a way we might reach out.
In short, one could glance in and see a mostly empty space, or one could walk all the way in and be welcomed into a real community, an extended family just waiting to welcome someone, a place to call home.
That’s what I see when I go to church. It’s not about the numbers, it’s about the spirit and it’s about the people. It is a church where God is fully present and we continually seek ways to gratefully respond to God’s love. This Thanksgiving, may you all find ways to fill yourselves up with the gratitude that comes from God alone.