July 16, 2026

Purpose

In a sermon a few weeks ago, I asked you to think about what it means to be part of the Church of Resurrection by thinking about what yokes Resurrection places on our shoulders. What does our parish ask of those who follow the Way within the life of the Resurrection community?

Some of what a community asks of its members is nothing more than the basics of being good members – respecting one another, being considerate of each other, or helping each other through difficulties. Healthy communities, though, exist for a purpose beyond themselves. The have a shared goal, a common value, or a way of being that unites them and holds them together. As the community changes, and moves along its journey, it constantly hones and reevaluates its purpose, that yoke that we all bear together as members. An easy yoke is a yoke that fits comfortably across our shoulders, making every load feel lighter.

Parishes, too, need to regularly reflect on their purpose. We cannot slip into doing what we do because we’ve always done it that way. Instead, we continually rethink who we are and what our shared goal, value, or way of life is. How, specifically, do we hope to transform our own lives and the life of the world? 

All churches carry the kingdom of God, but some carry it to the poor, others to those who have been hurt by other traditions. Some reach out in a way that welcomes intellectuals and academics, others reach out to those who are the salt of the earth. Some offer prayer and worship ornately in the beauty of holiness, others in simpler, easily accessible ways. Some follow ancient traditions, others are constantly innovating. None of these choices is right or wrong, and the world needs them all, but no community can carry every yoke. For each, some yokes will feel right and comfortable, no matter the weight. 

Over the summer, I hope you’ll continue to think about what specific yoke we carry as a parish. As you think, please share your thoughts with those around you, with your vestry and with me, and help Resurrection to keep a yoke that is easy, and makes the heaviest burden feel light.