When my husband and I entered married life 21 years ago, we were also entering a way of life known by United Methodists as “itinerancy.” As a clergy couple, we’ve moved six times, each time hoping that the call we were following was one of God. One result of these moves is that my sense of “home” lacks physical geography. My sense of community is of the moment rather than rooted in years of familiarity. This is something I’ve experienced as both painful and celebratory. I hate to say goodbye to cherished friends and congregants, but I realize that they never would have been known and loved without the move before that brought us together.
Our latest move was just one month ago, and I’ve noticed how grateful I am for the rhythms and practices I learned to embody through The Academy. The gift of being a Two-Year participant and then part of a leadership team is that the rhythms have seeped in deeper over multiple experiences. This summer, it is the liturgy of Morning Prayer that gives me a sense of grounding when everything else is up for grabs. I remember feeling the same during our previous move in 2020 when The Upper Room staff led the Morning Prayer liturgy online each day.
The sense of The Academy as a “home” to come back to is especially true for my call to justice work in each place where we live. In many places where I have lived and served, no one was going to complain or notice if I wasn’t connecting with those in the neighborhood who were organizing for justice. It isn’t necessarily part of the job description for the new pastor. I know from experience that it can be put off until the “someday” that never comes without much of a thought. But I can’t pray each day about “living peacefully with our neighbors and all of creation” and ignore the cries of justice around me. I can’t remember the conversations held with my Two-Year cohort and feel satisfied only with the congregational pastoral work expected of me. The discomfort builds until I seek out new partners for liberation in my new community.
As Spirituality in Practice begins next month, we’re trying out a new geography for The Academy. This first hybrid offering attempts to bring the Academy rhythm into conversation with the rhythms of daily life. During week one, we will begin with an understanding that both the practices of justice and of engaging scripture ground us in living our faith in this world each day. I’m looking forward to the new community that will gather and invite your prayers as we hope this new Academy model becomes a new home for the powerful and much-needed work of spiritual formation.
Gratefully,
Jennifer Goto Spirituality in Practice Retreat Leader
Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation begins in less than a month. Just a few spots remain, but you still have time to apply if you hurry! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this historical first hybrid Academy experience. Give your soul the gift of space and time to find a grounding rhythm and a community of support in these uncertain times.
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