Happy Sunday

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:23-24

This past Sunday morning at St Stephen’s was glorious! 

We welcomed new members through the affirmation of faith and the sacrament of holy baptism. Family members and friends from work were present to witness and help celebrate these milestones. When was the last time you invited someone from your workplace to come with you to celebrate a church happening? After worship, we gathered around tables to enjoy treats from several of our favorite bakers.  A drop-in visitor, passing through Wilmington for work, stayed for this fellowship time and was soon included in earnest conversation, a sharing of genuine hospitality. 

This is exactly what church is supposed to be like!

One of our youngest friends brought his grandfather to church with him. On his way into the building, he asked if other passersby were also “going to see Pastor Sue?” Once inside, demonstrating his comfort and familiarity with the sanctuary, he army-crawled under several pews to reach his accustomed place in our kids’ prayground. Wouldn’t you like to be nimble enough to have multiple ways of reaching your favorite seat? All of a sudden, we regularly have young children on Sunday mornings who know they are loved and fully welcomed.

This is exactly what church is supposed to be like!

And, at the same time, on Sunday morning we provided moments of respite and comfort for people living through personal crises, unexpected sorrows, and the regular challenges and hardships of everyday life.  Tears were shed, hugs were offered, knowing glances exchanged, words of encouragement spoken, prayers requested and promised. Most of this happened below the surface, out of view or earshot unless you had eyes to see or ears to hear these very human vulnerabilities and the grace-filled responses they elicited. 

This also is exactly what church is supposed to be like.

In Sunday’s gospel, the disciples worried about the future and what was going to happen and how they would know what to do. In so many words, Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid of what might happen but hasn’t yet. Believe in resurrection.” That is the challenge and the promise of the Christian life.  Don’t be afraid. Believe in resurrection. Most of the time, we need each other to do this well. Coming together as church does not protect against sorrow or disappointment. But God is with us, come what may. And in the ways we show up for each other, we embody God’s love for friend and stranger, which, again, is exactly what church is supposed to be like.  

Thanks be to God for a Sunday full of blessing in the middle of our confusing and complicated lives.

Pastor Sue