Lettin’ It All Soak In
I love thunder. I love the slow low rumble. Every year as summer begins, I enjoy sitting on the covered front porch and listening to a storm roll in. Our first Sunday back kind of reminded me of how wonderful thunder is because it had been quite some time since I had heard (and felt) the music from the organ. I was aware of many things that I had missed over the last year, music in church being one of them, but the joy of experiencing the organ itself with all the vibrations it produces was a surprise. I had a similar experience when opening a door into the church this morning. The smell of a church is unique and yet strangely universal among the Episcopal churches I have inhabited.
The smell, sound, feel, and light of church is part of the reason that the experience of our liturgical services can feel so much like a second home for us. The way we worship in and of itself creates a space like no other. I always tell our newcomers in our Episcopal 101 classes that the Episcopal Church is a “slow burn” church. Going to church is an intentional and methodical process of growing and deepening our understanding of God’s love and growing together as a Church over time. I promise them that the more they come to church the more they will want to come to church. The more we come together, the better it gets. Further, the more others come to church with us the better our life in the Church becomes.
Now, I want to clarify, we are a grace-centric church. My observation and description above is not meant to guilt or pressure anyone into coming to church. First, that never does anyone any good. Second, this is simply something I have been pondering over the past year as I have tried to put my finger on some of the specific ways our separation has impacted the life of our church. So, if you haven’t had the chance yet, come feel the organ on a Sunday morning. Come let the smell of the church bring you home. Let the light of our stained glass being you peace. Finally, come let the love of God’s grace be pronounced over you, for that is the truly Good News.
We love you and God loves you.