Julie & I are part of a small group that meets weekly at people's homes. The people in this group have been some of my greatest supporters and friends during our time in Sumner. I thank God for them.
Our group has recently started the "Companions in Christ" study produced by The Upper Room. This week's lesson is titled "Living As Covenant Community." It's a call to live as true sisters and brothers in Christ, experiencing both the conflicts and the joys that come from living in community.
I find it very difficult to fully engage in this covenant community. While these individuals are dear friends who I love deeply, I can never truly be a part of the community they are developing among themselves. I can never forget that I am their pastor and that certain boundaries must be maintained. I also know that my time here in Sumner is limited, that's just the way it works for UM clergy.
Thus part of me longs for covenant community, while another part insists that I stay at arms length. And what makes me saddest is I can foresee no change in those feelings as long as I remain a pastor.
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