Five reasons NOT to be part of The Well in 2014
After having been part of The Well for over 2 1/2 years now, I could tell you lots of reasons why you too should be a part of this new, dynamic, unique family of faith. Let's be honest, though. While we do welcome everyone, our church is not for everyone.So, to save you some time in your search for a place to call home, I want to share some reasons that you may choose not to be part of The Well.The Well at Springfield may not be the place for you...1) If you have it all figured out and want to keep it that way. We are constantly seeking understanding, and we see church as a journey. At times, this looks like more questions than answers and like our surrendering to the mystery of God's ways. We refuse to simplify faith to a set of propositions that can be memorized and propogated.2) If you want a predictable routine for worship. Worship at The Well looks different each week. Sometimes, we are invited to share a celebration or concern out loud. We sing different styles of music and are led by a variety of musicians. The altar looks different, and we hear scripture read by different voices and in different translations. Stories are told and the bread and cup are shared and served in a variety of ways.3) If you want to slip in and out of the door without having to speak to anyone. We are a welcoming bunch. We won't tackle you or come knocking on your door after you visit us, but you will meet someone new and be invited back. We believe that church should be a community of faith and we genuinely try to share and show love and acceptance to one another.4) If you prefer God-in-the-box. During worship and dinner & discussion groups, you will hear a variety of perspectives on scripture, life, God and culture. You will hear faith stories from those who are rich, poor, black, white, gay and straight. It will be messy and beautiful and it will open your heart and mind to experience God in a new way.5) If you see mission as a program and not a core part of being church together. We are commited to community, state and global mission involvement and see this as central to the mission of the church. Practicing the way of Jesus together looks like spontaneous acts of compassion, collaborative mission patnerships and giving to fund mission work that serves the hurting, hungry, oppressed and under-resourced.I suppose the best way to know if our community is a place where you can engage your faith, you'll need to come spend time with us. We'll be worshiping at City Kidz Event Center this Sunday. We'll come together at 10 a.m. for breakfast and worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. It will not be a show or a seamless production. It will be genuine, and it will invite you to be part of a community that is open to being shaped and formed as we journey together into a new year.Peace + love,Susan