This is the Church

They hold doors open wide: “Good morning! Welcome.”

Two young Moms catch up, babies on hips.

He puts a meal in the fridge. It’s ready for another family so they can be blessed with supper tonight when they’re new to town.

I meet someone new; a foster mom. “It’s the least I can do,” her attitude says, “because I’ve been given much.

This is the Church.

The children find their friends and play a good round of tag.

An older woman imparts wisdom to a teen girl.

Another tired young mom chases, gathers, disciplines, snuggles. I smile across the room. “I’m glad you’re here.”

This is the Church.

We make our way to an open spot.

He gently leads his wife to her seat. She sings out the songs by memory, unable to see with her eyes very well anymore, but still really seeing as clearly as ever.

I rock the stroller and snuggle my girl. Her eyes light up: “I know this song! You sing this one to me at bedtime! It’s my favorite!”

An announcement: “Men, there’s a retreat coming. Please join us. There will be good food. And good soul-food”

Mission partners share: “This is how God is at work changing lives among

unreached people in the Holy Land”

This is the Church.

We all stand together, singing the same song to the same God. The same song Christians have sung for centuries. He’s the God of our fathers.

We gather at the table. “This is my body, broken for you. Take, eat. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Take, drink.” So we eat, remembering. We drink, humbled.

Thank you, Jesus.

Several are there today in the mom & baby room. We hear more from our mission partner about life in Israel.

A new friendship begins. Babies grow together. Moms ease each other’s worries, bless one another through reassurance and recipes.

My Love sends a text: his sermon notes. Psalm 16. I have no good apart from God. I have a beautiful inheritance. God’s presence makes me unshakable. God alone gives me true life, full joy, and unending pleasures.

This is the Church.

Just people hanging out in a building? No.

Nothing out of the ordinary, yet very extraordinary.

Gathered every Sunday, together. Just one of thousands around the world. All worshipping the same God, together.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.