The story I have for you, is actually three short stories
that connect my distant past, my present understanding and my future with this
sacred building. The first time I saw the Temple was 2002. I was a young
teenager on a church history tour. I was not a member of Community Christ, but
my heritage and history with faith shares roots in the sacred story of the
restoration. Unfortunately, our itinerary for the tour did not include
Community of Christ’s Temple. We did, however, eat lunch on the lawn of the LDS
visitor’s center just across the street. I have a distinct memory of looking up
at this building and being so curious about its soft , yet bold design. I was
not seeking a new spiritual home at that point, but the architecture of this
building stuck with me and I carried that curious image with me throughout the
next decade.
The first time I was able to visit this sacred space was in
2016. By that point, I was a member of Community of Christ, an ordained priest,
and was set to interview President Emeritus Wallace B Smith for Project Zion
Podcast. My 5 year-old twin daughters and 2 year-old son were anxious after
being in the car for the two day drive from Utah. My family pulled into the
parking lot to set up for our important interview, and we weren’t even in the
building before we were stopped and shown Christian love and hospitality by
someone who has since become a friend. Nita Harder was a stranger at the time
who took a moment to pause and see a family struggling with three young kids.
She stopped to welcome us, to tell a few jokes, and help my kids get in a much
better mood. She gifted us peace before we even walked in the door.
The next few hours were a whirlwind experience. I had heard
so much about this building and I was afraid my enthusiasm was setting myself
up for disappointment. Could it really be a place where all were welcome? Was it
going to be as open, transparent, loving, and filled with grace as everyone
said? As a young mother, I worried that my family would be seen as a burden, or that I would be pigeonholed into one
identity and role because of my gender. Could I actually find empowerment and a
voice of my own in this holy place?
The answer was YES!
From the moment we arrived, I was treated like family. We
happen upon Apostle Linda Booth in the lobby who was thrilled to see us and
paused her very busy morning to give us a tour of the Temple complex. My kids
were able to meet a significant amount World Church leadership and I quickly
realized that not only was I considered worthy and good enough to be in this
space, but they were too. We left
with chocolates from the UK, wishes and blessings that were given to us in
Spanish and whichever language Bunda happened to be speaking at the time, and
pens straight out of Scott Murphy’s personal collection.
Christ’s Mission and the ministries of the Temple came alive
for me that morning. I was affirmed in a way I didn’t think was possible. I was
given a deepened understanding that the soft, bold architecture of this
building is reflected in the Spirit of Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace that we
experience here.
Since that first visit in 2016, I have had the privilege of
coming back four additional times as part of Community of Christ’s Seminary
program. Each time, I have tried to carve out space to be alone and sit in the
quiet peace I find here. I’ve never told this story before and to be honest, I
wasn’t planning on ever sharing it, but during one particularly chilly and
gloomy day in the middle of deep study, I found myself looking out a window
onto the lawn across the street that I had once picnicked on. I went into deep
reflection on what has happened to me since I sat on that lawn. My journey into
Community of Christ was difficult, but in that moment the feelings of grace and
gratitude was overwhelming. This journey had been worth it. Here I was, again just
a young mom, who was being not only welcomed in this Temple, but empowered and
educated here, too. I was being educated in the ways and teachings of Jesus.
Those teachings of radical hospitality, of reconciliation and healing, and the
reality that ALL are worthy and welcome to surrender to God’s divine grace. As
I sat staring out the window, I knew I could not keep quiet about this. That’s
the beauty of this Temple! We have a message to share! We come into the
Worshipper’s Path and into this Sanctuary and we are changed and equipped for
mission. We are charged to bring Christ’s message of peace to the entire world.
My place in this puzzle of mission was made clear to me on that gloomy winter
day. Because I am worthy enough to be here, I must invite others. The message
is too important, too critical to remain within these walls.
This space has changed me. It has brought me a deeper connection
to God, clarity, community, friendship, and most of all; peace. And that is the message I hope to carry out into the world.
