Summer is the season of experiential learning. From the time the program year ended back in May, you, dear church, have encouraged children and youth learning in so many ways. In June, the high school students traveled to Montgomery for an amazing Civil Rights tour. In July, the middle school students made the trek to Amnicon for a week of paddling and learning on the Flambeau. And throughout the summer, you supported Vacation Bible School – a time for kids to experience stories of the stars in scripture, sure signs of God’s expansive creation and limitless love for all.
As these experiences and stories sink deep into the bones of children and youth, formation takes root and grows. When a group of college students gathered in August to catch up on life before returning to schools from east to west, memories and shared experiences of life at Central poured out. Each student shared recollections of embodied experiences that led to a steadfast and anchored life in faith. Their faith continues to form and reform, but there is something about this place that makes them feel safe and anchored. Central is a place where they experience the promise of God for all.
This week in worship we’ll hear the story of Jesus at Caesarea Philippi where he asks Simon Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter and the disciples, having been formed and reformed by Jesus throughout their travels and ministry, are asked to articulate what they know about the identity of Jesus. And, because of all they had experienced, through their experiential learning, the disciples proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. In a moment of clarity and certainty, Simon Peter proclaimed Jesus as God’s very own Son.
And we know that Peter’s faith will continue to ebb and flow. Peter’s faith will continue to form and reform just like the children and youths’, and just like our own. And so, dear friends, we continue to engage in the practice of faith formation. Our calling and mission is to continue the work of faith formation that leads to transformation that opens us to the promise of God for all.
See you in church,
Pastor Stephanie