What a great day of worship and fellowship we had on Consecration Sunday. I give thanks for the many who helped lead worship and all who helped set up, serve and clean up after the lunch. It is one of my favorite days of the year! I was reminded of Consecration Sunday as I was finishing reading the Gospel of Luke this morning while I was exercising. Two of the disciples were walking on their way to Emmaus and talking about all that had happened when Jesus, whom they don't recognize, joins them.
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As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?"
When Jesus took bread, broke it and gave it to them their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. It wasn't his physical presence or his ability to teach them, but rather that which they could hold in their hands and taste with their tongues. It was sustenance for body and soul.
I love this passage because I witness this in ministry. The experience someone has when they receive communion for the first. I see it when children "get" communion better than adults who have been communing for decades. I witness to on a Sunday like Consecration Sunday when we gather in one worship service and continue by having fellowship with a meal. It is a combination that nourishes both our bodies and our souls.
I give thanks for the partnership we have in the Gospel and for the community that is gathered around a common mission. On Tuesday we had Hope folks down at Salem for their Tuesday dinner. Again I was able to witness both bodies and souls being fed with the love of Jesus.
We are excited to host Siberian Solstice again. This rock band presents music originally performed by the nationally acclaimed "Trans-Siberian Orchestra". The music format is traditional Christmas music and classical pieces presented with a rock feel using electronic keyboards, drums, and guitars. Invite a friend.
