| Homecoming and Our
Stories of Home The Bible has a big
"homecoming" story. Israel had been driven out of their land by
Babylon,
and they lived in exile for fifty years. Then,
as God blesses a change in political winds, Cyrus the Persian comes
to power. This enlightened monarch decrees that the exiles can
return home! The prophets Jeremiah, Zechariah, Ezra, and Isaiah all
tell important parts of this story.
It speaks to a profound human experience --
when we find that we are exiles, and that "we don't belong." Our
faith experience is a "homecoming": to be an exile, and then
experience God bless our world with change, and find that we are
welcomed home. So we have a month to help us think about the
importance of home, homecoming, and God's embrace.
We welcome the unveiling of one of Lincoln
Arts Council's "Stories of Home" displays. This is a profound
artistic display, and one we are honored to display. Having the
artist and family speaking on Nov. 5 makes it even more exciting.
That same day we will unveil our own "stories
of home" projects. Members of the congregation will share their
artistic interpretations of their own homes. I look forward to
seeing and experiencing this artistic event!
Adult education has a series of classes
focusing on the importance of the stories families tell about
themselves. How a family tells its historic stories sets up
expectations for the future. Our stories shape us and our children.
I hope you come to learn about how families can grow in healthy
ways.
It all culminates on the end of the Christian
year -- Christ the King Sunday. We celebrate the sacrament around our
family table. And we look forward to the heavenly homecoming when
Christ welcomes us all into our eternal home.
Sincerely,
Andrew L. McDonald,
Pastor
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