As we journey, supported by the liturgical year, toward Easter, catechesis flows from the lectionary and the Word of God, and culminates in the rite of reaffirmation of baptism. The period of time after this reaffirmation, the period of time known as mystagogy, the days until Pentecost, becomes a time to prepare for commitment to mission. The process of re-membering consists of a leaving behind a cluster of pain, opening up and being healed by the Word of God and welcomed by the parish, and returning to find a place in the community of God's people. The process has a number of practical strategies. There will be a regular and consistent gathering time at a specific time of the week year round.
Someone has to be there even if nobody comes.
The meetings will consist of storytelling in the context of active and nonjudgmental listening. We also tell our own stories of alienation and feeling distanced from the church. Spiritual direction may become an option for some people as well as referrals to professional counsellors or psychiatrists when necessary. Among sixty participants, I was one of two Lutherans in a sea of Roman Catholic sisters and brothers. I was amazed and thankful that people told us that because of our participation they had changed their perception of Lutherans.