Wallflower Worship
I used to walk into church and sit right in the front row. I like to sit there so that I can sing worship really loud and not hear my own singing voice over our worship team's beautiful ensemble. (Lets just say your worship pastor did not marry me for my musical giftedness!)
But over the past few months I started standing in the back of the worship area at the beginning of the service so it would be easier for John to find me in the crowd to sit.
Even though this seemingly small thing was for completely practical reasons, God has used it in such an incredible way. I have found that as I stand there worshipping, I also have the joy of watching our church fill with people.
I literally watch our community come to life.
I watch couples come hand in hand, I watch people finding their friends and family to sit with and hug when they meet, I watch people bringing friends and neighbors for the first time, I watch moms and dads chasing their children to and from Kids Harbor and I specifically love to watch the 'Meet and Greet' time where people shake hands with new friends and old (and the introverts that hide under their chairs when the lights go up - yes, I see you).
This entire experience has become a form of worship for me.
I am reminded of the fact that our thriving church is the people who inhabit it, the hearts being shaped within its' walls, and the love pouring out of it.
Jed spoke of something in one of his last sermons that I have been learning by watching and worshipping recently - our church is not about one person, it is about all of the people that bring it to life, and the very real presence of God that is felt here.
I meet a lot of people, and every person I have had the opportunity to speak with has said the same thing in one form or another: Harbor is one of the most comforting, REAL, transparent church they have ever been a part of; that they feel the presence of God and the love of others in an undeniable way in the basement of our mill building.
Why? Because all of you are real people - you exude Jesus filled hearts in our church and our neighborhoods and THAT is what makes a church. Not its' size, not the depths of its' pockets, not specific leaders or ministries – but the hearts, minds and souls. As long as we all stay committed to LIVE fully, LOVE deeply and GIVE freely to all who step in our paths, the heartbeat of our community will never change.
I love you Harbor, and I am honored to serve alongside each of you.