Church

Church . . . it is simultaneously one of the most enriching and frustrating parts of our time here. It is like a cacophony of melodies (I'm speaking literally and figuratively) that can give one a splitting headache, but every once in awhile you catch part of one that is new and beautiful, so you can't just tune it all out. Our understanding of both music and the Holy Spirit and how they work is stretching to new limits. Why is the music SO loud and unintelligible? Why are there no printed words to any songs? Why do people go to church every night of the week? Why are people shaking and falling down? Why doesn't anyone invite us to anything? (see the spring newsletter for more on that) Why are they so hostile to Catholics (and even other churches in their own denomination)? Why aren't they more concerned about being involved in service to the community? Why are there so few men? Why are we so critical, anyway? Can't we just participate and learn?

But then, in the midst of the noise and questions, we have a lovely conversation with someone from church and feel God's presence. The Spanish words to a song hit us in a new and powerful way. Someone prays for us, not with shouting or shaking, but with gentleness and blessings. We participate in a conversation about a passage of Scripture that is refreshing. We watch how people care for one another, visiting those who are sick or providing food. We see generations interacting together in touching ways.

The question "What is the Church?" is not going anywhere. We'll keep asking it of ourselves and those around us. In the mean time, we'll keep trying to pick out a few new words and melodies each time.

In the picture are some of our friends from church, with Lindsy Glick (volunteer from Goshen) in the middle and Sarah and Erin at right.