Since sharing news of Life Together’s sabbath year last week, I have encountered a wide range of reactions. Some have expressed curiosity about the broader trends that make this time necessary. Some speak of sadness about an era coming to an end. Many have shared support and encouragement, for which I am deeply grateful.
I have experienced all these reactions and more since last winter, when Life Together’s Advisory Leadership Team first began to imagine possibilities for a pause. And yet in this moment, as we reflect on the year that has passed and turn toward our 25th cohort of fellows arriving next month, I am excited. Excited for the year ahead, as we learn from and walk with a fantastic group of young leaders. Excited for the formation of a discernment team to dream of Life Together’s future, and the commitment to young adult ministry that it represents from the Diocese's bishops. Excited for the conversations already swirling, the partners emerging from unexpected quarters, the pieces coming together to give birth to what’s next.
I don’t know what shape that new thing will ultimately take. But in the midst of it all, I come back to the core teaching from my own Life Together Orientation 14 years ago: “Leadership is helping others achieve purpose in the face of uncertainty” (Marshall Ganz). There is no doubt that we face uncertain times, in Life Together, in the young adult service movement, in the Church. Yet our network is rich in leaders formed for such a time as this.
I will share updates with our community, via email and on social media, as this sabbath process unfolds in the coming months. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you would like to offer insights or get involved in some way. Because I have also learned in Life Together that leadership isn't an individual activity for one or two of us. We will find a path forward together, in community, listening to the Spirit and leaning into our shared values. Whatever you can offer to this process-- your prayers, your wisdom, your networks and resources-- will strengthen the outcome. Thank you for walking with us into this season.
Fellow Reflection: Sarah Mattea Lane
Dear Friends,
Our role is essential
Olakoneo --- Greek: To be a servant, to serve
Windows and doorways
to the opening of understanding
disaster, impossible, interrupted
leads us to action
I remain so
For all of us to work and teach together
The longer I am … the deeper I delve
What’s Next?
FORWARD
During Dis-Orientation (our end of year programming), my housemate Kris led us in an activity called collage poetry. We flipped through magazines and books and wrote down words or phrases that stood out and constructed poetry out of what we discovered. We were asked to reflect on the past year and to let that guide our creation. The above poem was created in that reflection space.
Life Together is inherently transitory, like windows and doors, a threshold for young adults to pass through. My journey in Life Together has been one of exploration and becoming. As I am looking backwards, I am in awe of the ways in which I have changed. That “advocate” is a descriptor that comes to mind when others think of me. That living with and loving others often means holding multiple truths, which are sometimes in conflict. That I believe the Divine lives in each of us. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had to challenge myself and others, to root myself in community, to slow down and listen.
As I finish out my Emmaus year, the question of “What’s Next?” has been on everyone’s lips (including my own). And I don’t have an answer. That does scare me more than I would want to announce. However, I do feel that my years in Life Together have prepared me for whatever is next; from disasters to more doorways, I am ready to move forward. Forward towards new community-building. Forward towards living my values out loud. Forward towards whatever life might throw my way. I am ready for FORWARD.