Thursday, August 13, 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
Psalm 150:1-2
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
When I played the anthem in person back in April and May, I cried openly while sitting in the pew by myself (not while singing, thankfully, but it was close!). As soon as I heard Jens launch into the introit, I felt catharsis, thick with joy and mourning, rock my body. Then Rebekah and Leigh read scripture. Then Tony preached. Then the octet sang. Throughout all of it, I cried shamelessly, thanking God for allowing me to be present, not just in soul but in body, to witness the incredible gifts of our leadership and congregation. It occurred to me that never before had I thanked God so emotionally for a seemingly routine physical experience. I made a mental note to thank Him more often for things I take for granted.
Not to get too woo woo sappy, but I felt such a palpable energy on those two Sundays I got to be in the sanctuary, distanced but present. To be able to physically watch our leaders in “the flow,” offering up their gifts with vigor, is to see the Lord at work. And to be able to look someone in the eye and say, “Thank you for sharing,” is priceless fellowship I sorely miss. Until we meet again, THANK YOU to all our leadership and fellow congregants for making myself and Matthew so at home in the FPC community.
