What is the Church?
It’s an important question to ask. Calvin, Bonhoeffer, Luther, and many others through history have written pages about the church. But let’s get practical. What is it for you?
I’ve been around churches a lot. Growing up, we went to church a lot. That might have had something to do with free childcare and six kids in our family. But of course, there were more important reasons to go to church. I loved being there and growing up there. There was great freedom when I got old enough to walk myself from Wednesday night supper to Choir. And even greater freedom when I could drive the carpool of my siblings to youth group. I loved finding my way to the prayer room tucked away in a musty corner of the church. Sometimes I even took my Wednesday night “supper” to the baptistry. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s an area at the front of the church that can be filled with water. That was where I was baptized – wearing a white robe and going all the way under the water. That space was holy to me, even as a child. No one could find me there. I have always felt deeply connected to the Church.
But what is the Church? It’s not the church buildings that ultimately shaped me. It was the people. Others who professed Jesus as Lord. As I got older, and started reading the great thinkers, I grew more and more intrigued and invested. A short detour considering a lifetime of studying ancient documents as a professor and textual critic, and a shorter detour considering medical school and a life as a pediatrician, all led me back to the Church.
So, what is the Church? This week, in our I Believe we get to the first phrase in the creed that isn’t about God. I Believe in the holy, catholic Church, the communion of saints. When we say those words, we are claiming both an identity of the church and the mission of the church. Identity shapes mission. You can’t know what to do before you know who you are. To get you thinking and ready for Sunday, read 1 Peter 2:1-12. I can’t wait for us to not only talk about the Church…. But to BE the church as we worship together and claim who we are and our mission together.
Reserve your space for in-person worship- CLICK HERE.
To watch ONLINE – CLICK HERE
Building Committee Report
As I mentioned, last week, our Building Committee Co-Chairs, Steve Follett and Gary Etter, gave an important date at our annual meeting on March 7. If you missed it, or want to see the information they presented, CLICK HERE. Continue to pray for the progress on our new campus.
Memorial Garden Survey
A part of their report, Gary and Steve, showed some renderings of the Memorial Garden. The Committee has put together a survey to guide the planning for the Memorial Garden. It would be a great help for you to fill that out. CLICK HERE
Holy Week and Easter.
See online for all the Holy Week events that will guide our journey to the Cross and the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
If you are worshipping online, we want to provide a special packet of materials to enhance your Holy Week experience.
Holy Week Packet Drive Thru
Saturday, March 27 at the Locust Street Campus
4 – 6 pm
I hope you will join us at the Holy Week events but also hope that you will invite your friends to all the services and events.
It is a gift to be your pastor and walk with you toward Resurrection,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor