Several years ago we had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful country of Thailand. Dianne, Doug’s sister, was a GM executive stationed in Singapore and invited us to come and see Thailand with her, her treat. We thought for about two seconds and then of course said, “Yes!”
We visited several Buddhist temples. As we saw the spectacular architecture and serene settings arranged for Buddhists, something began stirring in my soul. Charlie, our guide, explained some of the basic tenets of Buddhism. The same question kept rising up and I finally asked it: “What time does the community gather together each week to worship?” My question was foreign to him. He simply said that families would come together to the temple to worship at their leisure; there was no appointed time for them to gather together. I asked a second question: “Does the community gather together for high holy days at the same time for any kind of corporate worship?” He smiled and simply said “no,” noting that on high holy days families would come to the temple on that day but there was no appointed time.
I remembered giving thanks to God later that day for my Christian faith. Jesus built His ministry around community, calling His disciples together to form a band of women and men who would change the world with the love of God. Jesus taught that we are to love God and love neighbor. The gathered community is part of the DNA of Christianity!
During this past year, we have felt the pain of the absence of community. Even though life has not returned to pre-COVID days yet, we rejoice in the ability to gather again with Christian friends. The community of faith brings us many things, including a place to share our hearts, deepen our walk with Christ, and grow together as people who follow Jesus, the Risen Christ.
Eugene Petersen wrote: “There can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life, apart from an immersion in, and embrace of, community. I am not myself by myself.”
This Sunday, the Confirmation Class of 2020 (yes, last year’s class) will be confirmed and become members of Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church. Please join us in welcoming these young people officially into our faith community as full members. We look forward to serving alongside these wonderful youth who will share their gifts among us.
We look forward to seeing you Sunday! We will observe social safe distancing and wear masks, but reservations are no longer required.
Peace,
Cathy