“Could Use a Little Church, right now”

First off, let me say, I’m not in that “dark” place that this song sings about. I am feeling called, loved, seen and heard on this Sabbatical Sunday. These lyrics are shimmering for me this morning.

“…It’s not about the four walls
Or that steeple up on top (no)
Ain’t talkin’ about them hard pews (ain’t about the hard pews)
Or that torn-up parkin’ lot (say it)
It could happen on a dirt road (it could happen on a dirt road)
Or a crowded coffee shop (crowded coffee shop)
Yeah, the church I need is the hands and feet
Of a God who came to love

I could use a little church right now (now)
Love to have a little family around (ooh)
I’ve been feelin’ so overwhelmed
I could use a little church right now (church right now)
I can almost hear the choir singin’ (oh)
Back to when I was a child believin’
That nobody’s too lost to get found
I could use a little church right now (I could use a little church)…”

(I did wake up this morning a little grumpy. The dogs decided to finally go outside after the fireworks and thunderstorms were done. 2 am potty breaks are not for me!)

There is something special about being a part of a congregation – a church. This morning, my devotional reading included these words. “Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10 CEB)

I have been a part of many congregations over the years in many different capacities. My favorite role has been pastor and coach. I feel like that cheerleader that cheers the team on in both victory and defeat. We have had highs and lows in the church over the years. Yet, we remain a family, a church body, the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

As the hands and feet of Jesus to the world, our work is all about doing good – wherever we find ourselves. Mike and I went out to dinner last night, and the good we did – left a nice tip. The server was exhausted, and the night was just beginning. Earlier this week, someone from our new church recognized me from my picture and said hello while we were out in public. I’ve sent “thinking of you” text messages when people come up in my heart and mind. The good that we can do is unstoppable!

More importantly, I am member of the family of God as a Christian. I feel like I have always been a Christian. I am a product of church camp, campus minsitry and being raised in a church family all my own. Whatever I do as a clergy person, comes from that place first, of a deep love and my own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Next Sunday is my first Sunday in the pulpit at our new church. We begin a three-week sermon series called, “Leave the Road, Take the Trails.” I will be sharing 3 aspects of my faith story that guide and shape me everyday. Next week will be my favorite story from the Gospels – the calming of the storm in Mark 4. It’ll be about being in awe of God. In 2 weeks, I will be sharing the story of Jesus turning over the tables in Mark 11. It is my favorite story of Jesus being human. On July 27, we will be sharing Luke 24, and the walk to Emmaus. I always work to invite people to live with an expectation of encountering the Holy. These are three really powerful stories that speak to my understanding of Jesus as the child of God our creator, as God with us – Emmanuel, and as an avenue for the Holy Spirit.

Wherever you are today, may you find yourself in worship!