We have talked for the last two weeks about how church can hurt, both be hurt and cause hurt. At the end of last week, I said that in the end, only God can heal the hurt that we’ve experienced and that we’ve caused. Of course, for us, we see and experience that healing most visibly in Easter Sunday and the resurrection. This evening, though, I want to read from Ezekiel 34:1-16. It was written during a time when Israel had been invaded by foreign militaries because they had kings who did not protect them. As I read, remember, the kings were both the military and spiritual leaders, but also give some attention to God’s response.
Ezekiel 34:1-16
What do you notice about how God responds? What does God provide for the people?
In the church, we sometimes look to our leaders to fulfill the role that actually belongs to God. Sometimes, leaders get into trouble when they think they themselves are the ones who are supposed to fulfill those needs. But church leaders are not God. They can not and should not even try to fulfill those things that only God should. By God’s grace, we can be a conduit for those things, to be sure, but we are not the source.
This evening’s experience involves the sheet with the labyrinth and the list of needs/values. I invite you to look at the list, and find one or two or maybe three needs that were most unmet for you in times when church hurt or values that were not recognized. The needs are in larger categories that are italicized. In church, we need to know that we matter; we need security; we value community, freedom, and awareness; we need to know that our well-being is important; we need connection; and we need experiences of transcendence. When those needs aren’t met, or when they are devalued or ignored, or when those needs are exploited, then we hurt.
But God fulfills those needs for us, through the Holy Spirit.
If you’ll now take a look at the labyrinth sheet, you’ll see that this labyrinth is from the one in the cathedral in Chartres.(Chartres Labryinth Printable) The labyrinth is a path with only one way in and one way out, and it’s been used as a prayer tool for centuries. As people follow the labyrinth, they pray and engage with God.
So this evening, I invite you to use your finger to follow the path and “walk” the labyrinth. And as you move into the center of the labyrinth, think about those needs that weren’t met in church. And don’t judge yourself or dismiss yourself that your needs aren’t important, because they are. And when you get to the center, I invite you to re-orient yourself from lamenting that a leader did not fulfill those needs to knowing that God offers this to us every day. And as you move out of the labyrinth, remember and feel that to God, you matter; that God is our one source of security; that God joyfully welcomes you into community; that God values your freedom; that God’s grace and forgiveness strengthens you for true awareness; that God is committed to your well-being; that God appreciates you; and that God is the source of transcendence.
So, when you’ve identified your values, I invite you to begin.
I Need/Value...
(from groktheworld.com)
To Matter
Acceptance
Care
Compassion
Consideration
Kindness
Respect
To be Heard
To be Seen
Security
Predictability
Stability
Accountability
Reassurance
Community
Belonging
Communication
Equality
Inclusion
Cooperation
Freedom
Choice
Empowerment
Self-Expression
Awareness
Authenticity
Dignity
Growth
Honesty
Integrity
Clarity
Well-Being
Privacy
Healing
Nurturing
Connection
Appreciation
Companionship
Harmony
Support
Love
Warmth
Transcendence
Balance
Celebration
Communion
Faith
Hope
Inspiration
Mourning
Peace
Presence
Wholeness
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