Efforts At Community Are Not Wasted

by Carolyn Martin

According to Douglas Meeks, nothing is ever wasted in God's economy --- from loaves and fishes to composting leaves or a fallen tree turned seed log in the forest. When blessed, it is enough, whatever it is. And even when two or three are gathered together in Christ's name, the Spirit is present --- in the midst of them. What an extravagant blessing and what a community --- two or three and the Spirit! This assurance tells me that our efforts at community are not wasted, even if delayed for awhile.

From the time of our marriage in 1990, my husband, Frank Cooley, and I have felt called to live simply in Christian community, become equal partners in group worship, and participate in the global mission of the church. "But how?" we kept asking. I retired early, and in 1996, we moved to a little community built around a Christian retreat center which has more than once floundered on hard times and suffered conflict. Fearful of these troubles for several years, I resisted the call to move and be a part of the group, but finally relented after a louder and clearer call.

Circumstances led us to camp at the center for a week back in 1994. We then looked at lots suitable for a passive solar energy house, but found only one south-facing lot we could use. After the Board of Directors accepted our lower offer, we found our new lot had the same address as the one we were leaving, #1 Azalea Drive! We figured our names must be on it, even before the deed was signed.

The tract of mountain land for this retreat center was originally purchased by returning missionaries who felt called to provide church workers and other Christians a place of renewal through solitude, natural beauty and Christian fellowship. The center has waxed and waned in its mission as its management and board changed over time. Disappointment and conflict often clouded a sense of community, but residents continue to pray for healing and direction. Many of us think of the title of Desmond Tutu's latest book as an appropriate mile marker for us --- No Future without Forgiveness. Recently, fulltime residents and some weekenders began to build community through a good neighbor plan, with team captains to help us meet our needs in natural disasters and personal medical emergencies. We keep vital information on all participants and put our plan into action in an ice storm and in assisting several individuals to get medical care.

Despite having different faith backgrounds, traditions of worship, and ages, we are coming together to beautify our surroundings and to pray for our mission here. We have also begun providing social times just to enjoy playing together. That may be the hardest of all for my husband and me. We're better workers than players. But God is present in all these doings and is blessing them. Along with our local church and larger community, it is enough. We have all we need.

Before I retired, Frank came up to help clear our lot and camped at the center campground. He sought a place to worship and found the little Tiger Presbyterian Church, with 12 members on roll and 5 to 10 in attendance. I resisted joining because it was so small. I missed the organ music, etc. (Resistance is my middle name!) In spite of my early fears, God is turning this group into our "Redemption Community," reminiscent of "Redemption County" described by Dick Austin in his book, Hope for America. Church members are helping us become equal partners in demonstrating the Kingdom of God here in the mountains. If our beloved pianist is not there, we "say" our songs together and still make a joyful noise. Our youngest member is 63 years old; several are in their 80s. As I write this, we are preparing for the funeral of our staunch leader. He was 82 years old and had often been the only man in the congregation, hence the only elder --- since women didn't serve until recently! In 1990 one woman finally agreed to serve as elder and with the death of Bill O'Neal, she is now the only elder in our church.

When Tiger's minister left over a year ago, Frank agreed to serve as supply pastor. As a former missionary in Indonesia, he has broadened our view to include the global mission of the church. I believe God is working through us all here, even with our blind spots and resistance. We try to be present for each other as we face medical problems, loss of loved ones, even our own deaths --- and to hear each other into speech.

In admitting that we too are going to die and that our little Church may close as a church, we accept reality and remain open to God's grace. We have started passing on our blessings in a more intentional and systematic way. We will make decisions about how long to continue worshipping together and what to do with the building if we cannot continue to meet as a group. We don't believe it is time for us to close the doors, but a time to support each other and to reach out. Some who grew up in the church are returning, we welcome visitors during the tourist season and regulars who come from Atlanta, Florida, and South Carolina.

We don't think very much about the dilemma of what to do. We regularly pray for God's will in our lives and then do what we need to do --- and can do today --- with assurance that it will be enough. We are currently planting cherry trees, renovating the church building, and making scrapbooks for each family. We are including the history of Tiger Church --- the Mother Church of all Presbyterian Churches in Rabun County --- and of the families still active, with biographical sketches and photos. These families have had an impact on the church as much as the church has had on them, and the scrapbooks are our gift to each other, in the Foxfire tradition here.

"A gift is not a gift until it is given," said John McKnight's son. He said until it was given, it was just junk. We are God's children and our gifts are not junk. We continue to find ways to name our gifts and give them in community, so there is enough love and support to go around --- with some left over. We get what we need when we need it, and nothing is wasted.

Carolyn Martin and Frank Cooley live at Covecrest in Tiger, GA. Carolyn retired from work in substance abuse prevention and Frank from work in Indonesia with the Global Mission Unit of the Presbyterian Church (USA).