07/16/2023
Do I Even "Church"?
I tried to write a poem, but my words are falling flat. So, here goes the tale of the church I saw last Sunday.
I didn't see the color of the carpet, or the stains on the pew. I didn't notice what brand coffee was at the fellowship center or if the snacks were fancy store-bought snacks or the generic brand.
When I think about it, I can't name one worship song we sang or if there were any grammatical errors on the powerpoint slides.
I try to retain information from the sermon. But , as an interpreter, sometimes it goes in two ears and out two hands and little sticks in between.
So - did I even "church" today? Did I even SEE church today?
I DID! I saw the ears of the church as a young woman paused in the doorway, listening to the quiet voice of an older lady. No timeline - just time - time to talk - time to connect. I saw church.
I saw the hands of the church as the worship leader took time after the service to sign to the eyes of a deaf member - time to connect. I saw church.
I saw the feet of a prodigal walk to meet the feet of a strong, spiritual leader of the congregation - standing together - time to connect. I saw church.
I saw the arms of my brother, open wide like his smile - reaching for the shoulders of the respectable gentleman in the button-down shirt and tie. He opened his arms and returned the hug - time to connect. I saw the church.
The ceiling reaches high in that auditorium. It's huge - but it's not the sanctuary. The building is not the church.
WE are the church, united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism - one God and Father of all who is in all and through all and in you all.
Come to church. Look for the church.
BE THE CHURCH.
