We will be playing with some material from “Holy People” by Gordon Lathrop.
“The ‘coming together’ of the Christians is the distinguishing feature of Christian worship.” And “we do all this together because we are a ‘together’ and not just individuals. Christian salvation is by its very nature ‘church,’ a ‘gathering.’” And “worship in the sense of assembly of the Christian congregation in the name of Jesus is virtually the dominant mode of the manifestation of the church on earth.” And “among the symbols with which liturgy deals, none is more important than this assembly of believers.”
We are a “together.” This expression reminds me of the fact that the church does not “excommunicate” us because we have done something wrong or do not believe as others may believe. The notion of “excommunication” has more to do with naming what is going on….that is… when someone removes him/herself from the “together” the community must name that action…that removal of one’s self from the whole. Then, the community is work like a whirlwind to bring that ex-communicated person back home or to set them free to enter another community. We are a “together.” Sometimes it may be good to simply come and be a part of the whole…and just listen…or just observe…or simply be greeted by others. For in that simple exercise of being with the church “together” the Holy Spirit takes off and who knows what will take place and how life will change. This is all a good reason to encourage people to come and be a part of the assembly at worship…even the stranger.
Connection: Clear a spot in the week to be with others in worship. Don’t wait for what will come or how the week will unfold, do it now.
By the power of your Holy Spirit, O God, pull us into your community of saints who you have called to be ambassadors of your gracious Reign. Amen.
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