Calling All Generations
Not long ago, I was with some of my fellow clergy and someone pointed out that church is one of the last places in our society where all the generations come together on a regular basis. I love looking out at you all at the beginning of the service every Sunday and seeing saints of all ages. I have also noticed over the years that it is common to look out and see someone who is not the parent of the baby they are holding or the child they are sitting with.
The relationships we form are a foundational gift of our faith. Jesus’ ministry was almost always lived out in the context of his friends and followers. When he sent the apostles out, he sent them in pairs. Church life is a clear reminder that we are meant to be together. I’m aware that so many of my articles point to how great it is to finally be back together after the pandemic. I haven’t yet moved beyond the basic relief of us seeing each other face to face, but it is certainly feeling ever more normal to gather.
Much of this comes from reflecting on both the blessing of the animals and the men’s group gathering this past week. Pet introductions led many to meet and enjoy the company of someone new at the reception on Sunday night. Last night at the men’s group gathering, it was fun to introduce people who had been at Holy Spirit for years but had not yet had the chance to meet. I introduced one dad at whose wedding I had presided several years back to another dad whose daughter will be married in the church next year. The life of the church was happening right there while we watched the Astros dominate.
So much of our shared life is lived in worship and there is nothing more central to being the church than gathering on Sunday morning to hear and receive the Good News of God’s grace in church. It is an unbelievable gift that we get to live this life of faith with all kinds of chances to grow together along the way. I can’t wait for the SREN gathering at the end of the week and all the other events on the horizon (it isn’t too early for adults to be planning your trunks for the kids to enjoy at Trunk or Treat!). Basically, I can’t wait for you to join us!
We love you and God loves you,
Josh Condon+