“Standing firm in one spirit,
striving side by side with one mind.”
–Philippians 1:28
A few years ago, I worshiped at a Presbyterian Church 15 miles from our home. During my working years, when I was in town and had a Sunday off I didn’t typically sleep in, but instead would try to experience a service somewhere else. I had never visited this particular congregation on a Sunday and thus decided to attend there one summer morning.
During those months, their early service occurred in a sanctuary built in 1769. It was re-modeled 55 years later and still reflects the simplicity of those eras. As I walked into the room I intentionally chose to sit on a side pew next to one of the open windows in the hopes of catching a breeze. The service proved to be a wonderful gathering from start to finish.
As part of it a baby girl was baptized. The pastor called up the elder who was assisting by announcing to the congregation that the church officer had a vested interest. The members laughed as the baby was that elder’s granddaughter. The minister who officiated over the sacrament was not either of the pastors of the congregation, but the infant’s great-grandfather, an honorably retired member of our presbytery. He used the liturgy found in the 1946 edition of the Book of Common Worship. The book itself was probably the one he used during his ministry for I noticed after the service that the cover was held in place by clear packing tape. The prelude that morning was a French horn and organ duet. The brass player was the baby’s uncle. Thus, by any stretch of the term, it was the family of faith who celebrated that baptism.
Seated next to me was an older couple who arrived a few minutes after I did. She came in just before the Call to Worship and a few seconds later he came down the aisle using a walker. I assumed they were husband and wife yet as the registration pad passed to me, I noticed they had different last names. Later, I learned that she was a 90 year old life-long Presbyterian and he was an 89 year old Jewish adherent. They met at a retirement community where both had moved after the death of their respective spouses. I couldn’t help but notice the gentle affection between the two of them including the moments she explained in a whisper—and it was a loud whisper–various aspects of the service to him. Later, he leaned over after the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and kissed her hand.
As I left worship that morning, my heart was full. There was nothing particularly memorable about the sermon or music that day. I was able to speak with the pastors afterwards, but at most, only knew one or two others present on that morning. Yet what I had experienced was church at its most basic and best. Ordinary people who came together as a community of faith to sing and pray and celebrate. It reminded me of the children’s visual depiction using two hands that goes: “Here’s the church and here’s the steeple, open the door, and see all the people.”
Why do I tell you about that experience? In part because last week, another nearby congregation hired me as their Interim Pastor. I start next month and, before you ask, want you to know that I still plan to add a new post to this blog each Sunday afternoon. The role of an interim is not one that I had intended to assume in retirement, but I’ve always admired this body of faith and the more I spoke with their search committee, the more it felt like a good fit. I will be with them until they call their next pastor, a process that could last up to two years.
As I begin to serve in their midst, there will be much for me to learn about the congregation’s traditions and hopes, gifts and growing edges as I lead in their time of transition. Yet what I am counting on is finding many of the same blessings I experienced in each of my three pastorates and on one summer morning as a visitor years ago. An experience of the church with all its wonder and warts, mystery and challenges; both holy and wholly human.
Something like what a believer long ago had in mind when he praised a different group of Christians for “standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind.”
Head of the Church, I thank you for the community that takes place whenever your people assemble. Help us, in all the places where church is found on this day, to grow closer to your will. Amen.
26 responses to “A Glimpse of Church”
Lots of luck and best wishes as you start retirement#2. Retirement can mean so many things but one of the most satisfying is to continue to grow and share your experiences with others. Enjoy!
Thanks, Ronnalee!
So good to read your posts, Reverend! My husband and I so enjoyed your sermon last summer at Wayne Presbyterian Church. The church you will serve is very blessed to have you fill in. They will have a hard time finding a replacement. Thank you for your thoughts and lessons!
You’re very kind, Carolyn!
Keeping you in my prayers as you take on this new opportunity! The congregation is Blessed to have you lead them thru this time of transition for them !
Thank you, Bev!
Best wishes for your new ‘gig.’ (I hope you’ll tell us next week where you’ll be serving.
Bob V.
I’ll be at the Bryn Mawr church, Bob. Thanks for your kind words.
You are a blessing to all that know you and I’m sure your interim pastoral position will be a blessing to that congregation as well. And we’re so glad you will maintain the blogs that we have come to lean on.
Peace
I appreciate the kind sentiments, Vijay!
How exciting for you to be an interim pastor. I am sure you will be a blessing to that church. Godspeed in your new venture.
Thanks, Carol!
“Here’s the church and here’s the steeple, open the door, and see all the people”…….of which I am truly happy to be a part of……….wherever it is located.
😇
I wish you many blessings as you begin this new journey in your life. You really have so much to share..I very much enjoy your blog… Now others will get the opportunity to hear your messages in person.
Thank you, Penne-Ann!
Loved the church visit story!! And………so glad that the new opportunity took my recommendation for an interim!!! 😉 They will be in good steady hands with you at the helm in this important transition. Blessings for the journey!
I’m very glad, too, Don! Don’t be surprised if I give you a call during the transition to pick your brain. I’m grateful for you and your prayers!
That church is VERY fortunate, that’s all I’ll say!!
You are a bit biased, Cuz, but I appreciate it anyway! 😇
What a blessing that you will once again be sharing your gifts with another congregation (in addition to your blog congregation)! Bryn Mawr will be very fortunate to have you walk with them through this transition.
I appreciate that word of encouragement, Alice!
Quite frankly, I’m glad to see you back in the pulpit again. God’s not finished sharing your gifts and wisdom.
Thank you, friend. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
How wonderful! They are so BLESSED to have you, as you are BLESSED with this calling. ❤️ So much BLESSEDNESS is just the news I needed today!
You’re very kind, Steve. I’m glad the news came at the right moment for you. It did for me, too!