Community of Christ Europe – Page 3 – Community Circle Europe

Struggling With Faith

Verse: ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain’, (Hebrews 6:19).

Having faith is hard. By faith I mean believing assuredly in a religious tradition’s theology. It’s basic tenants. Perhaps even as simple as the notion of a deity like God. Very rarely is it something that is found in infinite and bountiful reserves. We are all called to be saints; what a challenging rally that is. Faith is a creature that must be nurtured and slowly grows in strength and size. It is important to accept that being a disciple of Jesus is not a race, nor is it something which should be taken in a competitive nature. Each person will have their own relationship with God and each relationship is equally loved and cherished by Him.

For those who are unsure or unsteady in their faith it can be of immense help to realise that as Christians the path is not one that has to be walked alone. Indeed, for many fortunate ones there is a community of brothers and sisters, of fellow travellers, within easy reach – primarily found in physical or online formats – and if these are not options then it is important to remember the most crucial point of walking this path. For Christians the constant and eternal companion beside us is Jesus Himself.

In Hebrews 6:19 the scriptures remind us that Jesus has parted the veil and has allowed us to follow Him into the temple. This beautiful description of His role as High Priest can help us to have faith that our prayers will be heard and our worries assuaged. The imagery of such a position can give comfort and confidence to those who need it most. Jesus did not come to Earth and leave us after His Ascension, but is still here and present with us now, walking alongside us in our path as a constant companion by our side. If we remember this in our faith then we can never be truly alone, and if we must look to someone to bolster our spiritual hearts, then let us look to Him.

This can be a difficult concept for those who are still on their journey of faith. It can be hard to believe that we are never truly alone and we can often feel foolish looking for Jesus to bolster our spiritual hearts. I think it is important to never feel inadequate or foolish when we are trying to turn to God or to Jesus. I know I did at first. If we feel our faith faltering and are in need of hope, then let us turn and remember the passage where we are reminded of He who allowed us into the temple, who sheltered us, and who died for the sins of the world, and be courageous in our journey walking alongside Him.

Finding New Peace

This spring my life changed.

I didn’t know it would change the day a garden crew came in and dug up my eyesore of a front yard. The yard is enclosed and yet, for over a decade, it had not been a place of pride or peace.

That changed early in April as I stood at my kitchen window and looked at what seemed to be a bomb blast in my front yard. Over the next few days, the excitement built, and by that Friday I could exit the yard safely and go out to lunch.

The plants went in the following week, and with the plants came the realization that this black-thumbed woman would need to become a steward of life and not kill the things. Following the guidance of my gardener, I’ve watered weekly. I’ve also hoped for rainfall. I’m in The Netherlands, and here, rain happens. As I write this, the few drops that fall today have me begging for more of the wet stuff. We’ll see.

The yard has been enjoyed, and the plants are showing both growth and bloom. The yard is blooming, and something is happening within my heart: could it be bloom?

The desire to live outside for part of the day is new to me. I find myself seeking the sun, warmth, and peace of a place that eleven years ago did not welcome me. Have I become a garden lover?

My yard has rekindled my morning spiritual time. It has energized my soul and my body. This space is nurturing something I didn’t know I had! While I’m not digging in the soil, the soil of my mind is realizing that something deep within has been stirred spiritually.

I don’t know how to define it. Call it finding God in nature, finding myself in nature, worshipping the holy in my front yard, or simply holy gazing. Whatever it is, it is cultivating a love for my tiny little world in new ways. This new stewardship for the living is altering my desire to care for my little corner of the world. I feel like I’m contributing to the beauty of the world.

Within Community of Christ, we seek to follow Jesus, the Peaceful One. Since becoming a member of C of C, my understanding of world peace and peace in general has changed. As I sit in my garden, surrounded by its beauty, I’m discovering that I’m sitting in a welcoming and peaceful place. It calls out to me, softens my heart, and speaks a new language of peace to my soul. I want to sit in this place and welcome others to it.

Harlene Wood penned these words, and they ring true in so many ways for me right now: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…”

Let’s bring peace to our hearts, homes, gardens, and other spaces we inhabit.

Open Circles

Circles. What do you think of the shape? Does your mind travel to the closed circle, which is what is most commonly shown? What about an open circle?

Closed, the circle limits those who can enter. It is as if one must ask permission to enter: Please, let me in. Does this make you feel like a beggar? Do you move on in search of a place that will admit you?

Open, the circle allows us to freely enter, find a place for ourselves, and explore the environs. What lies within? Where will an open circle carry us to?

I’m Gail, and I’ve experienced both the closed and open circle—and the open circle is the best!

Community Circle is such a place. We welcome you with open arms! Who are you? LGBTQIA+, disabled, a person of color, or cisgender, you will find a seat at our table and will be included in our open circle. Whether you are from one of the many nations of Western Europe or the U.K., or maybe an expatriate living in one of these countries, enter freely.

If you are struggling with faith issues, we want your voice to be heard. It is the struggle that brings us to places of new understanding and belief. Growth and discovery are a part of being a person of faith. We seek to support everyone and hold space for those who have been spiritually abused. This is church, and church should never exclude anyone.

We desire to create a place where all are able to flourish and contribute. If you are looking for a faith home, you may find it here as part of Community of Christ. We seek to be creators of justice and peace and look to Jesus, the peaceful one, as our model.

Returning to the circle that is open, I can say that inclusion is one of the greatest gifts we as humans can offer each other. The experience of being recognized for who we are as our authentic selves is priceless. Being able to grow, share, learn, and explore together serves to create a rich environment for worship for young and for old: a place at our table to contribute and create ministry that will bless others and, we hope, bless you.

This space will seek to explore many facets of faith as we all travel to new and wonderful places where we’re free to discover how God is working in our lives. Let’s begin a discussion about faith that is open and real. Where is God working in your life? How can we help you explore how she/he/they could work in your life?

Welcome to our open circle!