God's work
I decided to start going back to Community Christian. I've gone for two weeks in a row now, and it's been really hard, but incredibly rewarding. Those doors welcome people in all walks of life. I don't know anyone there anymore but its name is very appropriate: it's a true community.
Today the pastor spoke about connectedness to others; we share each other's burdens and take personal responsibility all at once. He mentioned Acts 4:34: "There were no needy persons among them." At the end of the service he asked everyone put money in these blue bowls if not in need and take money from the bowls if in need. The church band started a song and everyone started walking back toward the bowls to give money. I had $10 in my wallet so I went to contribute that. I peeked in the bowl and saw $50 and $20 bills as well as blank checks (with amounts filled in). When the song was over, the pastor said his prediciton was accurate: everyone was being very generous and giving, but no one was taking. He said, "I know there are people here in need. Please take what you need. Don't let your pride get in the way. Now, we're going to start the song in the middle, and this time, I only want people who are in need to go back to the bowls."
The band started and it looked like everyone was staying in place. One man near me walked back. Then a group of women on the far side of the room started back slowly. Three of them were escorting the fourth, who was resisting. They brought her back there and reassured her that it was all right to take from the bowl. She started to cry and had a difficult time bringing herself to take the money. It was so overwhelming and moving that I started crying, too. I got a sense of how my dad would feel when he left there in tears: he belonged, he had faith, and he was loved.
I never liked going to church as a child. My church was cold and disconnected. I want to feel the way I felt today when I go to church. I look forward to it. I know I belong there and I feel refreshed and uplifted when I leave.
I'm glad to be back.
Today the pastor spoke about connectedness to others; we share each other's burdens and take personal responsibility all at once. He mentioned Acts 4:34: "There were no needy persons among them." At the end of the service he asked everyone put money in these blue bowls if not in need and take money from the bowls if in need. The church band started a song and everyone started walking back toward the bowls to give money. I had $10 in my wallet so I went to contribute that. I peeked in the bowl and saw $50 and $20 bills as well as blank checks (with amounts filled in). When the song was over, the pastor said his prediciton was accurate: everyone was being very generous and giving, but no one was taking. He said, "I know there are people here in need. Please take what you need. Don't let your pride get in the way. Now, we're going to start the song in the middle, and this time, I only want people who are in need to go back to the bowls."
The band started and it looked like everyone was staying in place. One man near me walked back. Then a group of women on the far side of the room started back slowly. Three of them were escorting the fourth, who was resisting. They brought her back there and reassured her that it was all right to take from the bowl. She started to cry and had a difficult time bringing herself to take the money. It was so overwhelming and moving that I started crying, too. I got a sense of how my dad would feel when he left there in tears: he belonged, he had faith, and he was loved.
I never liked going to church as a child. My church was cold and disconnected. I want to feel the way I felt today when I go to church. I look forward to it. I know I belong there and I feel refreshed and uplifted when I leave.
I'm glad to be back.