“Be The Church” by Karen Dare

When I was a little girl, my Uncle Dan taught me a little tune that had finger movements to go with it. He showed me how to entwine my fingers in just the right way. He would place his very large hands with long bony fingers over my little hands and we would sing together “Here is the Church, and here’s the steeple, Open the door and see all the people.” I would love to wiggle my fingers back and forth and sing this little ditty over and over.

Years later, I would teach this song to my own kids and their kids. But now I’m guessing it could be sung as “Where are all the people” instead of “and see all the people.” While we cannot physically gather in the church, we can still be a part of a church.

I love my church community and have come to realize that even during a pandemic when in-person worship is at a minimum, I still have the opportunity to grow in my faith. The church consists of God’s people. It is the assembly of believers in Jesus Christ. The physical buildings facilitate the fellowship, worship, and ministry of God’s people, but it is not the CHURCH. We, the members are the Church. Someone recently asked me if I missed being able to go to Church? I could honestly answer that I didn’t miss the building at all. I am still able to worship each week and am still part of a loving caring Church community.

Virtual worship has allowed me to be more focused and intentional. I can sing like no one can hear me (and if I keep the windows closed, this is true). I still share the blessing of peace with others, even if it is on a “chat” on U tube. I still pray for others and break bread with fellow members through the rite of communion. Sometimes it is a saltine cracker and coffee, but the words hold true. I still get to hear a weekly message that sustains me and feeds my soul. And while the choir itself cannot practice and perform, individuals have shared their talents. This includes singing, playing the flute, cello, piano, and other various instruments by pre-recording their performance. Small groups are still able to meet through Zoom. Bible studies and writers group haven’t missed a beat.

I will be the first to admit that I miss what I don’t have now. I miss warm handshakes and sideways hugs. I miss coffee and donuts in the gathering area on Sunday mornings. I miss Wednesday night suppers and Holiday Services where folding chairs were necessary. I look forward to the time we can do those things again. But, I will continue doing what I have done this past year. I will continue to make intentional phone calls, checking in on fellow members. I will continue to support those members that have small businesses. I will continue to support the missions that our church is sponsoring. I might even sing like no one is listening (You’ve been warned).

Throughout this last year, I feel very blessed that we have a staff at Mount Calvary that has continued to do what they do best. We are still worshiping, just virtually live-streamed. We are still gathering, even if it is virtually on Zoom. We even managed to worship around a bonfire. The staff and council have spent countless hours discussing our safety and well-being and our future as a congregation and they lift us up in prayer daily.

I will honor them by being the Church!

Richard Avery penned the words for the Hymn We Are the Church. This is the refrain: “I am the Church! You are the Church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we’re the church together!”