A Bridge over the Bosphorous
Are we about to have our least “regionally” influenced Assembly ever?
General Assembly, a meeting of C&MA leaders in Canada, is normally held in one of our cities, alternating between eastern city (like Ottawa or Toronto) and western (like Calgary or Saskatoon). But this time, over 700 leaders will holding Assembly in Antalya, Turkey!
In one of the MBA newsletters, it said that some leaders coming to Assembly may need to switch airports in Istanbul, making the trip across the Bosporus, which separates Europe from Asia. What a great illustration of the reality of unity – someone has to cross a significant bridge to order to arrive at their destination.
I’m a prairie boy, but have served in Ontario since 1996. I was wondering if having Assembly “off-shore” may impact or ‘dislodge’ some of our allegiance (or prejudice!) towards a given part of Canada.
And then came these Olympics! Underneath the “crude bravado” marketing (we didn’t need it!), it’s hard to miss the mix of athletes from all over Canada supporting each other, the hopeful cheering from across the country for the athletes, the shared appreciation of each person’s story. Seemed like regionalization was “hold”, even though regional identity was still an important part.
What will prevail when we meet together?
A favourite quote about being missions-minded : “This character develops not when a church –or it’s representative — leaves it’s geographic location. Rather, it happens when a church takes leave of the cultural loyalties alien to the gospel.”
I’m looking forward to times of corporate worship. So many different cultures, regions, languages, represented….and before us the bridge, built by Christ’s love for men. May it be that ugly loyalties well-known, and still others yet to be discovered in our hearts, can be dropped like Sid Crosby’s gloves after winning the big game.
Surely this is the joy of Ps.133. Holy Spirit! Keep me from packing my cherished grievances and bringing them along to crucial times of worship and decision-making.