Dear Beloved Keystone,
During Lent this year, we have journeyed with Christ, the Human One, on the way to the cross. Through Gospel stories of a midnight visit, a noonday encounter at a well, clay on the eyes of one born blind, and other familiar tales, we have learned more deeply what it means to grow into a human being in the image and likeness of God. And on Easter Sunday, we will encounter the Risen One, who looks and acts somewhat different than the Human One. Again, we will hear familiar stories: the frightened and confused women at the tomb, the doubting one who asks to see the wounds, the supper where the Risen One is recognized in the breaking of the bread. And we will ask ourselves – what does resurrection mean?
It is no secret that fewer folks in the USA and Europe identify as Christian – the fastest growing group are the “nones,” or the religiously unaffiliated. One quarter of Americans now identify as “spiritual but not religious.” And of course, Christianity in this country is facing a “crisis of legitimacy,” as Christianity is identified with warmongering, violence, bullying, bigotry, and exclusion instead of love and radical inclusion. Perhaps you are wondering if you can continue to identify as a Christian today.
During Lent, we had a surge of interest in Keystone: I have been fielding phone calls and visits from numerous folks who want to use our building for pot lucks, political organizing, neighborhood readiness, films, and more. I would estimate that during any given week, a hundred or more people come through the doors of Keystone – not counting our preschoolers! At the same time, our worship services rarely have more than twenty in attendance. People love Keystone, love the community, want to get involved in more of our activities – just not our worship services.
This leads to a number of questions: Who are we? What is Keystone? What are our hearts yearning for, individually and as a community? What questions, fears, and longings do we have? What are we being called to in this moment in history? And how can we answer the call to be a resurrection people?
Please mark your calendars now and save the date of Saturday, June 6th, when the Keystone community will gather for a day-long discernment retreat at the St. Mary-on-the-Lake Peace and Spirituality Center in Bellevue. Carpooling will of course be available. Together, we will listen deeply for the Spirit’s call as we share food and fellowship from 10-3. If you have ever considered yourself to be a member of Keystone, you are welcome to join us, even if you have not attended worship services in a while. Whether you’ve been at Keystone for fifty years or just a few weeks, please come and share with us. In the meantime, you may be hearing from me for another round of listening sessions!
Thank you for everything you do for the Keystone community.
With love and prayers for a blessed Easter season,
Rev. Adina