something extraordinary happened tonight at the evening service. it's hard to explain. you can listen to the sermon (check out the downloads section under "gods must be crazy - part 4). you can even order the dvd. but in the end it's probably a case of "you had to be there".
all week i dreamed of inviting the whole congregation to gather round the communion table and to "break bread" together. it was awesome. moving for me. 120 or more people were gathered at the front of St John's, many behind the communion rail beside me, a whole crowd on the floor in front of the communion rail (which actually just got in the way!!!) and a few standing on the pews at the front of the church looking over the heads of others.
besides the meaning of the gathering and sharing together... i was moved by a community of people who recognised that Jesus calls us to be "family". I use the word family in quotes, because THIS family is not biological. it transcends biology to include every human being. this is the family of God which invites every person.
without being patronising - i was deeply proud of St John's people tonight. i was proud to be a part of them and know that they are a part of me.
if you weren't there, all i can say is, listen to the service, and ask someone who was there...
My family and I are praying that you will be safe. Our prayers are also focussed on the mental pain your family must be experiencing. May our God place his protective hand around both your immediate family as well as the the St. Johns family. I feel that the St. Johns family need to arrange a service so that we can pray together
ReplyDeleteI will always remember this service. Your face during communion showed your delight that your daring plan had worked and that it had united us even more.
ReplyDeleteYour words about family in this is so true to us now in your loss. We may not be a biological family, but each life that you have touched shares in the pain and grief of losing such an inspirational person.
Your work will never be forgotten and your passion and vision will live on in us. We are committed to fulfilling your dream.
I will miss you my brother.
Rest in peace forever in the arms of God who you followed so pationately and diligently. Till we meet again.