Journey has been in my thoughts. No, not the musical group of my youth; although “Don’t Stop Believing” is a song that works for any era, generation, this very moment.
Journey ---- individually and collectively we have journeyed from winter to spring; we have sojourned another Lenten season; and Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community has travelled to this moment of a new beginning. In God’s providence and grace, our journeys have now met and intersected as I begin my time with you as your pastor.
I am the youngest of five children, our mother was the youngest of eleven. At one of the annual summer reunions, a nephew suggested our brood meet at his family’s summer camp in East Brady that overlooked the famous bend in the river. We gathered, checked-in, ate, told stories, caught up with each other’s lives, ate some more, shot some basketball, threw some football, played catch, and ate again.
While we relaxed on the assortment of lawn chairs and picnic benches, a cousin suggested that we take a walk and go down to the abandoned train tunnel. Many agreed and we were off down the dirt road.
After 5 minutes, we arrived at the goal of the walk, the abandoned train tunnel. Of course, most of the youth and children shouted, “Let’s go through it!” We’re a hearty lot, all agreed and we entered the tunnel with energy, quick steps, a few jogs, and a good pace. Within minutes, it got very dark and literally a person could not see her hand in front of her face. The pace slowed, those who had run on ahead had already stopped, darkness and fear will do that to a person. Once divided and moving at one’s own pace, we all came together and moved very, very slowly and cautiously.
Now, my maternal line is Welsh, a people not known for ready shows of affection, yet we were all holding onto each other and each circled around the family matriarch, my mother, who smiled, looked upward and onward, and journeyed us on masse ever forward.
Soon, a cousin exclaimed, “Look! I can see the light…at the end of the tunnel.” Her observation, though perhaps not the most creative, was spot-on accurate. As we walked forward, the light grew stronger and soon we were enveloped in light’s brightness and warmth. Our steps quickened, the energy rose, and the laughter and talking ensued.
As disciples of Christ, we journey and know the journey is made possible by doing so with and alongside each other. We create a movement that notices others, welcomes all, and, blessed be, joins us, bringing their stories and experiences and melds into ours.
It’s a faith community. We call ours Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community. Bring the fullness of who you are, the gift of your story, and join us.
Together, we shine. Together, we season. Together, we stir it up!
I am energized and ready!
Let’s do this!
~ Pastor Sally Snyder
