The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is an icon of our popular culture. Some consider Baum's tale to be the first fairytale of post-settlement America, in the tradition of The Brothers Grimm or other folk tales. It's story of five friends on a quest for their hearts' desires. And, it has captured the hearts of people around the world... countless songs and movies refer to one or the other of the characters or lines of the movies. Mostly recently the epic movie Australia featured clips of the film and actors Nicole Kidman and Brandon Walters connect with each other thru the song "Somewhere over the Rainbow" which became the theme song for the 1930's Hollywood version of the classic story. [ How many movies, books or songs can you name? Send me ones you know about to post.]

In late March, I decided that I'd read the book "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" for the first time. Why? A friend had sent me a card that was the classic Hollywood figure of Dorothy (played by Judy Garland) in her blue-and-white checked jumper holding a picnic basket and the ever-scrappy terrior, loved and recognized around the world as Toto. Of course, inside the card were printed the pridictable words:

"There's no place like home!"

Yep, my friend sent me the card because I am returning home...home to Montana... home to Yellowstone Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to become Director of Connectional Ministries for churches in Montana, N. Wyoming and a slice of Idaho.

Between March and July 1, the Dorothy figure was taped to my refrigerator offering hope and the promise of homecoming throughout the labor of transition. I began to meditate on the story of Dorothy and her companions, often struck by similarities with living in Christian Community as a Connectional Church. I think Dorothy and her companions show us what that looks like. I'd like to share some musings with you and hear your musings, too.

1) We all have needs that we can't fulfill by our own efforts. We need help from Someone who is bigger and wiser than we are. Dorothy, the Tinman, the Scarecrow and the Lion were clear about what each needed: a home, a heart, a brain and courage. And, they understood they lacked the power to get them on their own. They sought out the Wizard of Oz and later the Good Witch after Oz left by himself in the hot air ballon--see the book, not Hollywood version!

2) We need each other to learn that we do have gifts and talents we didn't know we posessed. If you read the book, you soon realize that the journey drew courage forth from the Cowardly Lion. Scarecrow was clearly the strategizer, while the Tinman was constantly at risk of seizing up with rust because of tears flowing freely when he was filled with compassion at the plight of others. We can't make the journey by relying just on our own talents--we need the leaders, the hearts, the brains, and all the courage we can muster together if we are going complete the journey to our goal. And, often we learn about ourselves and who we really are with the help and encouragement of our companions.

3) Leaders don't lose sight of the destination, even in the hard times, and they invite others to join them on the journey for the benefit of all. Dorothy was a leader, not because she was the strongest, the smartest or the bravest, though she possessed those qualities. She led because she was clear about who she was and where she belonged. She recognized the real needs of the others and offered the hope that they might all get their hearts desires if they traveled together.

4) If one of us in need, we have to keep on the journey together until that last one's need is satisfied. In the book, the Wizard of Oz leaves Dorothy behind when the hot-air balloon lifts off accidently, but the Good Witch doesn't come to the rescue with the secret about the power of the shoes. The Scarecrow has just been made Emporor of Oz, the Tinman has recieved his heart and the Lion has proof of his courage, but they all choose to risk more danger and hardship to continue traveling with Dorothy, seeking the Good Witch's help, so that Dorothy will also possess her heart's desire-- home. In the end, Dorothy does get home by the magical shoes. And, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion also receive additional, unexpected rewards and gifts that were never even part of their motives for staying with Dorothy. It's like that for Christians who venture out into risk-taking mission and service and radical hospitality, too. The blessings of Kingdom building along the way are unexpected and beautiful though the journey may be challenging and frought with hardship, too.

We in the United Methodist Church talk about being a Connectional Church--what does that mean?

It means our churches strive to work together, intentional in efforts to do mission and ministry together--even with our differences--that cannot be achieved by individual churches efforts. It means we believe in collective Wisdom to recognize God's plan for our churches and our ministry in this region called Yellowstone Conference. It means Jesus can change us and our world because we learn about Who we are and Whose we are as we journey together along Jesus' Way....
We are not alone. We belong to each other. And, we belong to God.