From the Vermont UCC Conference newsletter

Greetings Members & Friends
A New Enlightenment? A New Reformation?
Or Just the Death of Church as We Know It?


Well, did that get your attention? I hope so. It accurately describes the debate going on inside me and many Christians these days. And the concern goes all the way to the top, so to speak. Here's a quote to ponder:

"There's no longer evidence for a need of God, even less of Christ. The so-called traditional churches look like they are dying."

Who said this? The answer may surprise you. It was Pope Benedict XVI.

While membership decline was once manifested in the mainline Protestant churches, it has spread to every corner of Christianity in the developed world. Without casting aspersions, I could say that in a denomination in which such things are highly valued, Baptisms are down 40%. The only places countering this decline are churches in Third World countries.

In the past few decades, our culture has changed significantly. Our churches, for the most part, have not. It is a bit ironic that, in a young denomination just over 50 years old, we have not heeded the words of those who met to form the Basis of the Union of the Congregational Christian Churches and Evangelical and Reformed Church, who said in their preamble:

"Believing that denominations exist not for themselves but as parts of that Church, within which each denomination is to live and labor and, if need be, die..."

And that is the question, my friends. Is this time we are in a New Enlightenment? A 21st Century reformation? The death of the church as we know it? I think perhaps the answer is yes. To all of them. But it's difficult to see that from within the bubble of change. Moreover, it's particularly difficult to embrace the idea of dying without knowing what the new thing will be. Perhaps if we can learn to float with change, and stop clinging to what we once were, it will be a bit easier. There is one thing I'm fairly certain of. We're not going back to what we once were. And all that energy expended looking backwards is energy stolen from our future.

But this is big picture stuff. It's not something that can be wrapped in a neat bow and considered, explored and answered in an E-KIT article. But I hope it begins a conversation that you, dear readers, participate in with your Conference staff. Next week, Lynn Bujnak will explore the idea that people today are seeking communities more than congregations. And we'd be honored to share your thoughts as well. So let's pray, ponder, and process together.

Peace,
Jim
Jim Thomas
Business Manager/Stewardship Associate

STAINED GLASS NOTECARDS, made by a member of our church, are available by callings the church office. The cost remains at $4.00.