Wednesday, August 19, 2020

What We Miss About Church: Congregant Reflections

For our devotionals this month, we asked various congregants what they miss the most about being together. Join us for this series of reflections that remind us of what we miss and who we are called to be.

Scripture for the Day
Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.

What do I miss about church? The sacred space – the stained-glass windows, the vastness of the building, the age and history of the building, seeing familiar faces and even new faces, hearing the music reverberate in that space, the benediction and blessing.

I tried to narrow it down to one thing, but that seems to be impossible. I miss it all. There is a comforting and comfortable feeling when I am present at church, surrounded by reminders of God’s presence.

But this is a strange, chaotic, uncertain, and even frightening time of life, and it is best that we stay apart. One might ask, “Where is God in all of this? Have we left God at our church?” The answer comes back with a resounding - God is here, right here with me. God is not just inside our church building, but God is here with me. He is even with me at my computer because God’s Spirit lives inside me.

So, I cling to the verse from Deuteronomy. Rest assured, my friend, that while we miss our sacred space at the corner of 16th and Peachtree streets, and while we hope to be back together sooner rather than later, God is with us wherever we are. God has not abandoned us.

THANKS BE TO GOD!