The weekly Five Minute Friday word prompt for this week is “church.”
When I worked at camp, we had this poem we would teach the kids: “Here’s the church, Here’s the steeple, open the door, and see all the people.” It even came with hand motions. This catchy little poem is so fun, but I think in some ways it’s not telling the whole truth.
You see, the church is more than a building. During the last several months, we’ve realized that church can happen online. It can happen in a parking lot or on the church lawn. It truly happens anywhere two or three are gathered in Christ’s name.
Sadly too often I think many of us make the church building an idol. What would happen if a fire or hurricane or something destroyed your church ? Would you still be able to worship? Of course! Don’t get me wrong, I missed being in the building but I also realize the beauty of worshipping anywhere two or three have gathered in Christ’s name.
As a deacon in the church, my calling is to show God’s people that the church can and is more than a building! I am called to send God’s beloved our into the world sharing God’s love with the world.
Yes I loved that little hand play! I appreciate you, Tara, and I’m sorry I’ve been so absent!
The Church is familiar with seasons of being scattered for various reasons. We forget that part of our collective memory. But even the gates of Hell cannot prevail against it.