“I want to go where everybody knows my name!”
These words from the theme song of a popular 1980s sitcom resonate with me as I reflect on my first two months as Interim Minister of Older Adults. Everyone generally wants to be known by name. I am in the process of learning many names and connecting them to faces. Knowing names marks the beginning of learning personal storyies, both past and present, and of building relationships with others. This takes time.
Another part of being new in any place or position of responsibility requires embracing what currently exists and meets a need. Our older adult ministry at Trinity Baptist Church includes twelve small groups who gather to study God’s word every Sunday morning. An integral part of Trinity, these smaller faith communities support and contribute to the entire church body throughvarious ministries.
What creates authentic community is genuine love that embraces each person. Paul urges his brothers and sisters in Christ to “love one another with mutual affection; [to] outdo one another in showing honor,” to be shaped by the grace God has given them so that they will “rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints and extend hospitality to strangers” (Rom 12: 9-13 NRSVUE). From what I have observed already, much authentic community occurs at Trinity. This is something to celebrate. We welcome you to come join us.
Caren Goodman, Interim Minister of Older Adults