The Joy of Being a Guest
I had the privilege and joy of representing OEF at the 2025 Chapter of
the Order of Lutheran Franciscans. We met from July 25 to 29 at the Bon
Secours retreat center in Marriotsville, MD. I enjoyed the rhythm of
worship, meals, meaningful conversations, sabbath time, and community
deliberations. I was joined by Verleah Kosloske, TSSF and Br. Desmond
Alban, SSF as the other official visitors.
Some highlights of my experience included singing lots of liturgical
music during the offices and Eucharistic celebrations written by our
own Louis Canter, OEF; morning spiritual practices including prayerful
art explorations and centering prayer; and warm reunions with siblings
I had met in 2018, the last time I was the visitor.
We engaged in some familiar activities, like sending cards to members
who could not be present, and in some enjoyable experiments. The
gathered chapter traveled to nearby Ellicot City, MD to attend Sunday
worship at a local parish. It was such an invigorating experience of
public witness, we even encountered a gentleman who was ready to
inquire just based on the joyful spirit of the group. It made me
curious and excited about what that would look like at an OEF Chapter
or regional retreat.
During the Chapter, OLF officially installed a new minister general,
Br. Jeff Brown; a new formation minister, Br. Ryan Roberts; and a new
bursar (treasurer), Br. Mark Molter. Four new novices made their novice
vows and two brothers made life profession during the annual
celebration liturgy. There was also great attention to the ELCA
Churchwide Assembly (Triennial Conference) taking place in Phoenix, AZ.
OLF is now officially an Independent Lutheran Organization, with full
legal status under the denomination's Churchwide offices. This is akin
to canonical recognition in the Anglican or Catholic tradition. With
this year's election of a new presiding bishop, they will be receiving
a new denominational relator and are hoping to participate in the
consecration and installation of the new leader on Saturday, October 4,
2025 (a perfect day to celebrate humility and peace in transforming the
church and world!)
We engaged in really lovely peer triads, taking turns throughout the
gathering for check-ins, rule reports, life sharing, and holy listening
with curious questions from the two listeners. (I would highly
recommend this for a future Chapter, we have done this in the past.)
There were also small group JPIC conversations, where people could
share joys and concerns about the many dimensions of corporate
discipleship that come with a Franciscan vocation. (It's been too long
since we've done this, and I'd love to see it again).
I brought greetings from the servant council and the whole order,
sharing a bit about the history of OEF and OLF (their founders began
their Franciscan exploration with us.)
While dates have not been settled on, next year's Chapter will be in
Chicago, IL and I hope an OEF sibling nearby will have the time to
experience this lovely community in person.
Practice
- When you are a guest in someone else’s home, community, or setting, how do you balance giving the gift of your presence with receiving the gift of theirs?
- Think of a time when you were welcomed heartily. How did it feel in your mind, your heart, your body? What told you that you belonged?
- How do you savor time well spent with gracious hosts?
Be gentle with yourself, you are worth it.
Peace and Everything Good,
The Rev. JM Longworth, OEF
Spiritual Direction and Trauma Care
https://www.sdicompanions.org/sdi-profile/GreenMtFriarOEF/
To book an appointment:
https://calendly.com/greenmtfriaroef