The Church is Not a Building
I wonder how many times I have said, “The church is not a building?” I’m sure I’ve said it over and over, and I’ve probably preached it more than once, because I believe it. The church is not a building, or an institution, or the liturgy, or the creeds, or a hierarchy designed to keep people walking the straight and narrow. The church, this church, St. John’s in Jackson Hole, is a community of people, doing our best to live together, love God and one another, and to extend that love into the world. We certainly are not perfect, thanks be to God, because that would be so boring, but we try hard, and often we succeed. So, kudos, beautiful community. You are doing God’s work.
The church is not a building. And yet we are blessed, thanks to those who came before us and those who are caring for it now, with two stunning buildings in which to worship, an historic office building, the old Rectory, which has served different purposes over the years as a church education building, a preschool, and home to several nonprofit organizations. And of course the current Browse 'n Buy building, which, thanks to your generous donations, will soon be replaced with a new building, better suited to spread even more love into Jackson Hole.
The staff and a dedicated group of volunteers are committed to keeping this campus, and The Chapel of the Transfiguration in the park, their buildings and grounds, in tiptop shape. We undertake the work of caring for this unique blessing, not to preserve our space as a monument to ourselves, but to offer hospitality and love to all who venture onto St. John’s campus. Caring for these gems in the heart of this valley is work that, again, is funded by your generosity and made possible through your volunteer work. Thank you.
If you can find the time, and you have a desire to pitch in, here’s an opportunity. We have a Buildings and Grounds Committee whose work is centered around planning and implementing maintenance and beautification of our campuses. We meet quarterly to walk the grounds and tour the buildings, to make recommendations for upkeep and improvements. We review the budget, to make sure that nothing is missing or forgotten. If you are interested in joining the committee let me know. You will be gratefully welcomed.
And keep showing up for campus work days. And maybe, if you’re walking around our incredible green space, and you see a piece of litter, pick it up. Maybe even when you’re just walking down the street. That’s a spiritual discipline. Keep up the good work!
Peace,
Brian
