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Now, will this Protestant, United Methodist, actually proceed to take a vow of marriage to the Church? Possibly. For he is called to serve Her and be served by Her, to touch Her and be touched by Her, to give his life for Her and receive Her life into himself, to share with Her Love and receive from Her Love, and to be faithful to Her as long as he lives and allow Her to be faithful to him. So, does that not sound like what marriage is meant to be? Like all marriages, it would never live up to an ideal, for both the Church and this pastor are too human for that ideal. It would be a real marriage, one made in heaven, however.
Now, let us get back to what keeps the parts of this writing from falling apart. That reality is the need, necessity, and blessing of our brothers and sisters in Christ being a central part of our life in Christ. Indeed, the words "in Christ" imply all others in Christ, and without them I cannot be in Christ and Christ in me. She and I cannot be apart, for I am I only in Her, and She is She for being in me.
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his two beloved dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Southwest Florida. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons, along with empathic relating with other world religions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
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