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