05-06-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 6, 2023
Today is the 2023 Greater Houston Area Assembly. The CCCC Staff and a handful of others from the church will be joining together with representatives of other DOC churches from the area for worship, reflection, and fellowship. We are meeting at University Christian Church here in Houston, and the theme of the event is: Together. I’m sure the program will be wonderful, yet I will confess to you that my favorite part of these events is the unplanned, often organic, conversations that happen throughout the day. Sometimes, it is simply seeing the faces of some folks light up as they tell a story about something exciting happening at their church. Other conversations are painful, yet maybe someone has some insight, a word of encouragement, or an offer to help. Maybe it’s just laughter as someone tells of an epic fail that, in the moment, was not funny, but time has provided an opportunity to put things in perspective. The laughter is part of how we put something behind us and begin to move forward. I believe the words of the Apostle Paul reflect this same idea. "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11).

Wherever the work of your church is happening, O Gracious God, allow us to see you in every component of the gathering—whether it is the voice of the preacher, the songs of the choir, or the quiet conversation happening in the corner of the fellowship hall. Let us be mindful of how you are never limited by our preconceived expectations. Amen.