Finding Comfort in Community
Over the past few months, I have been one of the “new people” on campus here in Avery County. Even though moving to a new community is often part of my vocation as a clergyperson in The United Methodist Church, the feelings evoked by a move are complicated. I find myself excited for a new beginning, grieving the place I left behind, and anxious about all the changes that come with learning about a new workplace and home.
I have quickly realized during these initial months in Crossnore, NC, that I am among many people of all ages who are coping with those same feelings of apprehension, loss, and hope. One of the places I find safety and comfort in times of change (and in times of less upheaval as well) is through the life rhythms of the liturgical calendar.
The Liturgical Calendar: A Rhythm of Faith
The liturgical calendar is the cycle of seasons and celebrations within the Christian church that centers around the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a way to mark special days like Christmas and Easter, serving as the connective tissue that helps people all over the world join as the one body of the church.
The word liturgy comes from the Greek word leitourgia, meaning “the work of the people.” In 21st-century English, we can translate this as the concept that worship and service in a Christian context are meant to be practiced in community. All people actively participate in the shared experience of praise, thanksgiving, and service. Simply stated, following the liturgical calendar—or the Revised Common Lectionary—is a way to live out each year with Jesus, together.
Embracing the Liturgical Calendar at Avery Campus
We have embraced the liturgical calendar as a way to be creative together on the Avery Campus. All of our residents and cottage parents are invited to be part of chapel fellowship and worship in a hands-on, interactive way.
We began our journey through the Christian year in November with the Hanging of the Greens during the first week of Advent. We created Chrismon ornaments and decorated Sloop Chapel as part of worship.
At our holiday party, the Christmas Jubilee, every child and youth had the opportunity to participate in a spontaneous paper-bag Christmas pageant. Each participant received a paper bag containing a costume and helped tell the story of the birth of Jesus—no rehearsals needed.
Celebrating Epiphany and Preparing for Lent
During the season of Epiphany, we remembered that we are all part of God’s big family.
In preparation for Lent, we created ashes and celebrated Fat Tuesday with a Bicycle Mardi Gras Parade, followed by a Pancake Supper.
On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, we remembered that we are real, living humans—beloved by God and created for a unique purpose. We received ashes to remind us of our humanity and made the sign of the cross to reflect on God’s love for us and the calling to make the world a better place.
Looking Ahead: Holy Week, Easter, and Beyond
Lent will lead us into Holy Week, where we will remember the end of Jesus’ life on earth. Then, we will celebrate the joy of the resurrection on Easter.
As summer approaches, we will celebrate Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all people. We will then engage in many lessons and teachings of Jesus throughout Ordinary Time until Advent approaches once again in the winter, beginning the Christian year anew.
The Power of Sacred Rhythms
For thousands of years, people all over the world have found comfort in the rhythms of the lectionary—in the stories of hope, anticipation, joy, sorrow, promise, and reconciliation.
No matter where life has taken me over the past 40-something years, I have found grounding and peace in the love, grace, and mercy that accompany living a life with Jesus in community. It is my prayer that the sacred rhythms of the Christian year may be a place of community and welcome, whether we are the “new person” or a seasoned resident of the place we each call home.
