Monday, August 10, 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
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common. They would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Sitting at home and watching church on YouTube is rapidly growing stale. Elements of church I have missed most during the pandemic include shaking hands, embracing and seeing smiles on the faces of my friends, praying with Sunday school brothers and sisters facing challenges or grief. I also miss saying hello to Captain James Oates on the security staff and swapping football stories with Bennie who maintains the church facilities. Watching young families drop off their children in the toddler hall always brought a smile to my face. Our church is a fellowship of believers, right? Not the building at the corner of 16th and Peachtree streets.
Because of a compromised immune system, I have been away from the church building longer than most. But I have not been separated from our church. I still swap greetings and comments on Facebook with many of you during our streaming Christian Education classes and worship services. My Monday morning men’s fellowship continues our Zoom meeting where we discuss current events, read the Bible and pray for one another. Like most of you, we have had deep and meaningful conversations about race this past month. We grieve lost friends and share concerns and prayers for family and friends who are experiencing illness, job loss, financial challenges, family discord, and an array of other needs. Zoom meetings have begun to feel like church and the Holy Spirit seems present in our “gatherings.”
But what can substitute for an embrace or quiet word from a friend in these challenging times? Throughout Acts, believers gathered even in times of danger to celebrate The Way by breaking bread, singing praises to God, and enjoying the fellowship of believers. I miss it and my return seems so far away.
