An article posted by the Associated Press on February 25, 2008 begins,

The U.S. religious marketplace is extremely volatile, with nearly half of American adults leaving the faith tradition of their upbringing to either switch allegiances or abandon religious affiliation altogether.

The article goes on to site a new Pew Forum survey as the source of this information. But we already know this, at least if we have been sitting in the pews at all. Those of us who worship regularly, or even semi-regularly (whatever that is), can sometimes feel discouraged by what we perceive is a loss of members. It is easy for us to become anxious, fear-based. The glass is half empty. Chicken Little is running lose. Oh me! Oh my! Yes, we feel this way at times.

To make matters worse, the religious territory that our congregation resides within is subject to the whims of a society that is very competitive. Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum, writes, “The American religious economy is like a marketplace -- very dynamic, very competitive. Everyone is losing, everyone is gaining. There are net winners and losers, but no one can stand still.” We struggle with budgets and wonder what the solution is. If we are market based, we are looking for more people to share the financial burden. This makes sense on an economic level. But I think it begins and ends there.

I believe the key is to discover, celebrate, and focus upon what keeps us connected to the religious community we are a part of. What is it about Hope Church, in this case, that makes a difference in our lives. Why here? Why now? Where is the intersection of your life and the lives of others who represent what seems to be a growing statistical anomaly? This consciousness about what being present at Hope means to us is the genesis of growth, the seed that is planted in the soil of our existence. If I am conscious, clear, and conversant about why I am connected, it is that much easier to take the next step. The next step is simply to tell others about why I am connected to Hope Church. We will then let others connect their own dots.

It is not our place to tell others why they should be connected, or even to tell them what they need. They will discover what they need. When we tell our stories it may spark within them an exploration into what spiritual hungers lurk within. Perhaps, at some point that only they can determine, the connection will be made. We cannot force or manufacture this, as much as the marketplace might suggest. Fear is not the key. Love is the key; love of what we love; love of knowing that we are loved unconditionally by a loving, gracious God; love of, and a passion for, community and the energies that grow forth from that community.

I am here because I believe we have something that people need, a place to explore the breadth, depth, height and width of God’s universal presence; to explore the mystery and wonder of humanity’s connection to one another, and to the divine. We have a beautiful, sacred space that invites reflection and wonder. I am so grateful to live and serve here. I encourage you to stay focused on the beauty of your own connection, and the joy of the journey. Such a focus can only result in a healthier, richer, and more dynamic community all around.

                                                            - Pastor Vance Toivonen

P.S. I am grateful for the year that Pastor Joan Shiels and I have had to share together in ministry. I have learned much from her, and enjoyed our growing collegiality. I will miss our weekly times of reflection and wonder. I pray God’s richest blessing upon Joan as she continues to explore the call of God’s spirit in her life. Who knows where that wind will blow.