Walking Into the Unknown, Together (5)

We are nearing the end of Eastertide: just two more weeks go. As we think back to those early days after Easter, let’s imagine how surreal it all must have been for the disciples. In rapid succession, they were devastated by the death of Jesus, and then, three days later, astounded by his resurrection. Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, together, became the portal through which they traveled into a new realm, transforming their experience of the world. 

What did this all mean? What could they expect from Jesus now that he was no longer with them in bodily form, yet still somehow was with them? What would happen next? How would they relate to one another? Would they stay together? Would they splinter off and go their separate ways? 

Acts begins to answer some of these questions. Although they had no idea what lay ahead for them as a fledgling community, they chose to walk into this unknown future, together.

During the time between Easter, when Jesus rose, and Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, the friends of Jesus were in a liminal space. Emotionally, liminal spaces can be fearful, disconcerting, disorienting, and exciting, all at once. They are in-between spaces, times of intensity and transition, when you crossed over a threshold, leaving something behind, yet are not yet sure of what will be waiting for you in the future. While the liminal space can be difficult, the ending is a threshold into a new beginning. Moving, graduating, retiring, changing jobs, grieving a loss, all these are experiences of liminal space.

We, too, are in a liminal space as a community. Last week, I finished all the paperwork to transfer my benefits and pensions. This week, I will be meeting with Larry Schram, our CBWC Regional Minister, letting him know of our decision. Next week, we will send off our letter to the CBWC. During this month of May, we will also finalize our rebrand. Very soon, we will have left the familiar shores of the CBWC, heading out into this unknown future, together.

The beautiful thing about Eastertide is the firm hope that by the presence and power of the God, Something is Emerging even now, into this liminal space. The present is the seedbed of future fruitfulness. Something that we cannot yet see and certainly cannot yet name, but that is very, very good, is growing inside us. There is death, and there is also the unexpected surprise of resurrection. I feel a sense of anticipation as I wait to catch my first glimpse of this new life.

Deep peace and blessing,
Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Church at Southpoint

Worship Calendar

Location & Zoom. We meet on Sundays at 15639 24 Avenue, Surrey. Zoom is offered if you cannot attend in person. Zoom link. Meeting ID: 831 1690 9977 password: 753319

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Blogs
Catch up on Anne’s recent blogs under “News” on our website, southpoint.ca

Sun May 12   Mother’s Day
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Sun May 19 Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21

Sun May 26 
No service at the Sunnyside building
Brunches Together!

Sun Jun 2
Rev Rusty Edwards (CABF)
2 Cor 4:5-12

Sun Jun 9
2 Cor 4:13-5:1

Sun Jun 16
2 Cor 5:6-11, 14-17

Sun Jun 23
Baptisms, at A Rocha’s Brooksdale Environmental Centre No service at the Sunnyside building

Sun Jun 30 
Fifth Sunday Brunches Together No service at the Sunnyside building

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

If you’d like to really peek inside, sign up for our weekly Southpoint News (scroll to brown footer at bottom of page). The Southpoint News is a MailChimp distributed email—you can unsubscribe anytime and will not be added to our contacts list. Email us at office@southpoint.ca. Website: southpoint.ca.