Pastor's Blog: Emerging From the Cave
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Ask any anthropologist and they will tell you that at some point in the distant past, homo sapiens came out of the caves they lived in to develop social skills that made possible the survival of our race. The caves were important dwellings to keep our ancient ancestors safe from both predators and the elements. But at some point our ancestors realized that they needed others in their lives as well to offer something they couldn’t find on their own. Since that time, socialization has been a key ingredient in our ability to live a meaningful life.
During seminary days, Judy and I came to discover a malaise that afflicted folk in the Louisville area every time the snows came and life shut down. We called it “cabin fever” and it was serious stuff. It wasn’t that we didn’t enjoy being with each another; it was more the case that our ability to flourish as a couple had much to do with making sure we had opportunity to interact with other couples. And so, even in the most brutal of conditions, we’d find a way to slush over to someone else’s apartment or have them slush over to ours.
Whether you call it “cabin fever” or “cave fever,” lots of us have been struggling with the isolation we’ve experienced over the last year and a half. Granted, it was important that we did so in order to stifle the virus. But there’s no question whatsoever that our time of quarantine did take its toll on us. Yes, there were Zoom gatherings and FaceTime exchanges, but there’s nothing like being in the same space with others. Isolation is not our default.
That’s why, as we sensed a yearning to be with others, your ministerial staff put together a list of gatherings that could reclaim the spirit of fellowship that characterizes every healthy church. The first of those gatherings will take place this Sunday evening at 5 p.m., as we gather in our lower parking lot to enjoy a churchwide cookout. There will be hotdogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings, all prepared by a group of great cooks from our church. You’ll only need to bring a lawn chair and $4/person or $20/family. There are no special activities planned other than the chance to mix and mingle with MBBC folk, but that will be a blessing in itself. There’s still time for you to register. You may do so by going to our website or by calling the church office (205.871.0331).
Our hope is that we’ll see a good cross section of our congregation in attendance. Our tendency is to separate age groups in so many of our ministry activities, but this one affords us a chance to come together in a way that represents the church’s greatest strength, which is our composition as the body of Christ, with different members, each of which is important to the whole.
Thank you for all you mean to Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Your presence is so critical in everything we’re about. This Sunday will be no exception. I look forward to seeing you, as we come out of our “caves” or “cabins” to be together once again.
“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for…man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18a).