by Rev. Laura Folkwein
A clergy colleague of mine accepted a new call a few years ago and spent the first few months sharing “church discoveries” on social media. These were little tidbits, and sometimes big surprises, that she encountered as she learned about the people and the place she was joining in ministry.
I have decided to steal her idea.
I am looking for “Church Surprises,” large and small. In my mind, surprises are small winks from the Sacred, that remind me that something greater than myself is alive and active among us in daily life. An unexpected bit of joy from the Spirit says, “Hey, I see you. You are loved. Keep going,” or “Stop. Take a breath right here.”
Here are a couple of surprises I have encountered at Pilgrim.
Last week, I found flowers on my desk after the beautiful church service of transition between Rev. Dick Weaver and myself. Beauty lifts the spirits, soothes the soul, and is better when shared. Thank you.
Yesterday, I went rummaging in the church kitchen for a spoon for my soup. I found drawer handles in the shape of the silverware inside, indicating spoon, knife, and fork-drawers! What a gift of hospitality and help in an unfamiliar place. God bless you, Kitchen Design Saints of Pilgrim! What a creative and helpful surprise. Thank you.
Over the past few weeks, I have been poking around the church locating the HVAC closets (are there seven? Five? Oh my!), but more importantly I have seen so many memorials: plaques, benches, gardens, photos, a small sign on the edge of the conference table. These are precious surprises and reminders that many have gone before us on this journey. They are not forgotten. I am enjoying the chance to stop and read names, dates, and stories as I find these little surprises and stories in prominent and mysterious corners. Thank you.
A surprise is fun (some of us like them more than others), but perhaps there is more to it than that. These surprises are also crumbs on a path of generosity, offered without expectation of recognition or thanks. Someone created a bouquet, designed a kitchen, or built a memorial in hopes that later on someone like me or you would find and enjoy, remember, or get some use from that very item. Perhaps its originator has left or forgotten about their efforts. All the more joyful, to be continuing the pleasure after its initial inspiration is long gone, don’t you think? Small miracles are everywhere. Maybe you will join me in taking a little time to look and appreciate these bits of love, left just for us.