Sunday morning we knelt as a family to receive Communion, trying to stifle the giggles as Carter dipped his bread into the tiny communion cup and then drained even the soggy crumbs from the bottom. We were given the bread and juice and called by name. We worshiped together as Danny reminded us in song that Christmas began with a baby. And were challenged in the sermon to consider how the promise of the coming light effects our personal and corporate decisions.
Then we went to Sunday School – Carter on the first floor, Claire Marin to the second floor and we were welcomed into the Friendship Class. We each basked in the warmth of the community, learned from the scriptures and came together again with a renewed memory and a deeper appreciation for this Advent season.
Despite this rich morning of prayer, conversation and fellowship, Jeff and I came home a bit melancholy. It will be difficult to leave this community of such deep blessing. They have taken seriously their baptismal covenant to help us raise our children, tell them the stories of the faith, and direct them in the ways that they should go. This congregation holds us, inspires us and challenges us. It will be a sad parting when we go to Malawi.
But by the same token, the individuals in this congregation are responsible for our decision. We have seen through Dot and Bill and Larry the commitment and passion of missionaries. We have walked with prophets like Linda and Bill and Stephen. We have felt the power of prayer through Rueben and Mozelle. We have been mentored by Steve and Marcie. And inspired by Lanecia and Ciona. And guided by Herb and Sue. And strengthened by Heather and Michael and Allison and Ned. And delighted by Tyler, Lily, Jackson, Liam, Will and Evan. And spurred on by countless others like Anna and Parker and Susan and… The list goes on and on.
So Sunday evening when I sat again in the sanctuary for the Feast of Lights, I felt surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. I will feel deep sadness when I leave that sanctuary for a year, but I have been accumulating the strength from those same pews for 12 years that will enable me to stand and to go where God leads.
