By the Rev. Shirley Smith Graham
Many church members are adapting to big changes because they work for the federal government, are affected by immigration enforcement measures, or are concerned that services they rely on may change. Clergy and lay leaders are working together to provide support in wonderful ways. This is an important time to remember that some of the church’s basic practices can be transformational and done by anyone.
Gather
We consistently hear from people how meaningful it is to gather for worship and especially outside of worship. When people check in with one another, talk in safe spaces, see each other and feel seen, that’s when we feel the touch of God and the human caring we all crave. In the busy-ness of crisis times, it’s still important to gather. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
Eat
Eating together isn’t just something we do because we like to eat. We do it because God’s power becomes evident around food. The feeding of the 5,000, when Jesus said to the disciples, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat’ (Matthew 14:16). The first Lord’s Supper, “While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body’” (Matthew 26:26). And, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, it was at breakfast on the beach that the disciples recognized the Lord’s presence (John 21:13). When people at church prepare food with care and set the table for fellowship, the nurture of God is palpable.
Lean-in
It’s essential at any time, but especially times of swift change, to lean into the spiritual practices we have as disciples of Jesus. These help us go deeper with God and each other while also feeding our spiritual and emotional needs. People feel strengthened when they lean-in to practices like living the Lord’s Prayer, reflecting daily on Holy Scriptures, or using the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer as a guide to feeling securely grounded and making good decisions. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Gathering, Eating and Leaning-in are three good practices of vitality in this and all times.