When I began thinking about a new blog last summer, I liked the idea of using the name Together on the Way because it reflected one of the ancient names of Christianity, “the way,” while also implying that following in the way of Jesus is a journey we make in the company of others. Sometimes our fellow sojourners are nearby folks that we see each day. Sometimes they are folks far off that we’ve never.
I managed to write one blog in December and have not written anything in the six and a half months since. Not a good start. I confess I pushed to write the first post before I’d finished thinking about what my overall focus would be. I had narrowed it down to three areas: revitalization of the neighborhood congregation (Oakley United Methodist) that I pastor; conversation with others who are exploring creative, out of the box ways of being a community of faith in an increasingly post-modern Western culture; and a place to explore something new emerging here in Asheville. Three areas of focus seem quite enough, but there will be one more…
At the end of June, I became pastor of the Berry Temple United Methodist Church in downtown Asheville. It’s an unusual appointment for me. It is a historically African-American congregation. (I am not African-American – historically or presently!) Through much of Berry Temple’s long history, however, it has been integrated. The congregation might best be described as multicultural – or at least bi-cultural. My serving there was presented as a creative, way out of the box idea. I’m not leaving Oakley, but will actually be sharing responsibilities there with my wife, Kathy, who’s also ordained. The new configuration opens up new opportunities at both Oakley and Berry Temple to explore some creative, emerging forms of worship and community life here in Asheville.
There will be much to share and discuss. I have lots of thoughts and questions that I want to explore with others. And…it appears a lot of folks are very curious about this new, way out of the box idea and how the Spirit will be at work. I invite you to join me in conversation and exploration as we journey together on the way.
Wow, Russ! Great to hear from and and catch up on what’s been happening in your life’s journey. Welcome to life WAY out of the box….
My home/ordaining church in Los Angeles was a multi-cultural one. The area (Ladera Heights) began as an upscale Jewish neighborhood, bordering on the famous Jewish cemetery, but as the African-American neighborhoods began to move closer in the 60s, the Jews began to move out to Westwood/Hollywood and upper middle class whites began to move in. We arrived in 1973 and stayed 18 years … and during those years, say around 1980, the upper middle class African-American population began to swell — and they moved into this little section of town … and began to come to our church … and now it is a very interesting mix of Anglo, African-American, Asian and Hispanic. Very Interesting.
So, I look forward to hearing how things go!
Blessings.