"Welcome Home to The Body of Christ" - By Bishop G

Dear Friends,

 Sometimes I come to church when I really need it.  I’m hungry for communion, and I’m hungry for prayer, and I know why I’m there.  But sometimes, I am not so hungry or thirsty, and I feel pushed for time, pulled by outside, competing forces, and it feels more like work than worship.  A wise old priest told me once, “On those days, you are in church for other people.”

Mysterious as worship is, I believe God is working on every one of us at the same time, each time we come to church.   Some days, I think I can see God working, and sometimes my mind is wandering in a million places. 

 In seminary, I knew someone named Jim who hated to go to chapel every morning.  He didn’t like getting up early, and he didn’t see why he needed communion every morning.  Jim complained to the professor, who told him maybe he was taking communion for someone else’s benefit.  Namely, perhaps the person he was kneeling beside when he received the bread and wine needed to see Jim more than Jim needed to be at the chapel that morning.  In other words, communion feeds your spirit and heart always, but maybe your presence with the person in the pew next to you becomes nourishment for that person, too.  

When people aren’t in church on Sunday, is the Body of Christ different?   Is it diminished?  I think it is, somehow.  I know when I see everyone on Easter and Christmas, there is a kind of power loose that almost lifts the roof off.  Whenever I see people I haven’t seen for a while, my heart sings and swells with love. My faith is confirmed and renewed.

Jesus said, “I have come that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”   My joy is more complete when everyone comes and shares nourishment of worship, songs, hugs, bread, and wine.   The Body of Christ is at its very best when you are there too!  I miss you, and others miss you.   We never know why God is calling us to come.  It might be for us or our children.  It might be for someone we don’t know who becomes a new friend.

When I was working every Sunday in the same parish, I loved September.  September signaled all those who’d been away all summer to return to church finally.  Going back to school time is also going back to church time!  If you’ve been away, think of this as homecoming time.  No matter where we’ve been or why, church is a place I hope we know we’re always welcome.

The next time you’re in church, take a moment, look around, and realize the Body of Christ is richer just because of your presence.   You belong where all God’s children gather for love and hope.  We go to church for bread and wine and strength.  We go to worship and learn.  We go to church for each other.  As always, I hope I see you at church somewhere in our Diocese soon!  Welcome home. 

Blessings,

Bishop G