One of the things that excited me most about accepting the invitation to be the director of Spiritual Life Ministries at ELPC was to explore together how we can live more deeply and fully as people IN God, FOR the world. In my few months here, I have seen that ELPC is indeed “A diverse community of believers, who show God’s unconditional love by providing refuge for spiritual growth, ardently pursuing justice, and extending Christ’s radical hospitality to all.” And I wonder…what is the relationship between our spiritual growth and our long-term ability to ardently pursue justice and extend radical hospitality to all? How does a mindfulness practice and contemplative prayer facilitate justice flowing down like living waters? How does spending time on a 24-hour retreat assist in dismantling systemic racism?
I do not have all the answers, but I know there is a connection between the inner and outer life, between abiding in the vine and fruit. I know that I see a paced rhythm in the busy and full life of Jesus as he regularly dismissed the crowds, withdrew to deserted places, and prayed. I know Jesus invited Martha to choose “the better part and sit at his feet and listen to what he was saying” amidst feeling alone and distracted by her many tasks. I know Dr. King, in his sermon titled “Transformed Non-Conformists,” stated, “only through an inner spiritual transformation do we gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of this world in a humble and loving spirit.”
With that aim in mind, I am excited to facilitate a retreat from March 5–6 with Pastor Patrice, the Deacons, Mission Team, and Facing Systemic Racism Task Force to rest, retreat, and explore some of these questions and connections in their lives and ministry.
Perhaps you too have a longing for this inner spiritual transformation. Or like Martha, you feel alone and distracted by all the work that is needed to ardently pursue justice and extend radical hospitality. If so, join us on Tuesdays, 7:30 am, for 30 minutes of Contemplative Prayer, or on Thursdays, 7:30 am and 7 pm, for 30 minutes of Mindfulness Mediation. Together, we will sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what he is saying to us and among us.
—Rev. BJ Woodworth