Special Gathering

I’m a spiritual person but not very religious. I think seriously about God and feel I have a good relationship with him. I don’t press this issue with others; I think this is for them to decide and deal with.

Over the years I’ve been a steady church goer. For the past 6 years Rocky and I have been members at the local Lutheran church, ELCA; moderate to liberal theology. A wonderful congregation. Small, only about 300 to 350 people. We look out for each other. Someone needs something, help is delivered quickly, silently, no fanfare. Friends helping friends. Hospital visits; home care visits. Meals brought to those in need, whether financial, health, or whatever. No questions asked. Just help. Good, plain, simple help.

That’s love in the most practical way.

For the past two months our pastor has been on sabbatical. A well earned time to collect her thoughts and energy. She came Sunday morning, July 1. Other than serving communion, her role was supplanted by the congregation. It was our way to welcome her back. And did we miss her! I think she knows this.

While she was gone we lost a few members to death. Still others are experiencing serious and mysterious illness. Births have been heralded as well. And the rest of the functioning of the church has soldiered on without a hiccup. Sunday services were conducted. Lots of volunteer help was deployed to get the jobs done. But the church family met the needs of the congregation.

The sermon this morning took the form of an interview. Pastor asked what we had done over the past two months with the church; she was asked how she spent her time away. Together we learned how our lives are woven together; same cloth; same texture; same meaning and relationship. We are one.

Pastor spent a lot of time in Ireland visiting family and friends. Visited sacred sites; spent 8 days in a Buddhist monastery. Pondered meaning. Pondered value. Pondered God and life and all the other deep matters. Fresh air was pumped into these topics. A clear head prevailed. She returned to us well grounded and refreshed.

And she came back to us knowing that we are one family in faith and personhood.

That is an idea with heft and depth. Knowing we are important to one another is a major realization. Taking full measure of it requires faith, love, hope and intellect. It is a deep feeling. Of rootedness. Of solidity.

I hope you have something in your life that makes you feel this way. It is invaluable. It is as close to the heart and soul of life as I can possibly imagine it. It is the way ‘church’ should be. So many hope they have it but don’t. Some never get it. Our little church does. And it is nothing fancy. It just is this meaningful group of people in the midst of a chaotic nation and urban area that feels the pulse of each of its members. We are whole through one another.

Just wanted you to know this. Something is working very well. Amen!

July 2, 2012