Budding

Yesterday was sort of a landmark day in the life of our little faith community. Our first bud has formed and will begin meeting together next week. Honestly though, the whole morning was a little anti-climactic - not because it's not exciting what is happening with the two families who are starting the group - but because it just all seemed so "natural".

At least "natural" is the word Mike (who is leading the group) used to describe the event and I think it is a good word. When things are natural, they don't have to be dramatic or serious. They just happen as a normal course of life. I remember in my previous church / ministry life, a "multiplication", a new group, or a new anything was this major earth-shattering event. What really happened was that we'd get our egos rubbed a little because "Hey, there's more of us now. That must mean we're successful!" Or something like that. Anyway, that's one of the reasons I enjoy the imagery of yeast budding to describe how the church reproduces. (Check out this little article from next-wave, especially the not-so-relevant-but-hilarious comment at the bottom).

Anyway, congrats to the Bourques and Eisleys who embark on the next leg of their journey as a part of God's Big Bride. We'll be seeing them all at least once a month at our communion / worship thingy at the beach, but I hope to connect with them more.