“Where Two or Three are Gathered”
The inspiration for a devotion can come from a pretty unlikely source, but even I didn’t expect to see a story on the Weather Channel that would provide a theme for this Reformation Sunday. The widespread destruction of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle was being covered extensively, and there were dozens of stories being told. As I watched, a young man wearing a polo shirt bearing the Weather Channel logo was walking through the wreckage of a church in Mexico Beach, pointing out one wall and part of the roof that was torn away, another wall standing fairly straight, pews with hymnals still in them, and at the front, a large cross on the wall, and the altar below, with the Bible on it apparently untouched.
I was impressed by the tone of the story, as the reporter talked about the generations who had worshiped in the church, the strong sense of community among the members, and their already-stated intent to rebuild. He didn’t speak of loss and sorrow; rather, he spoke of the faith and strength of the people he’d interviewed. They acknowledged the emotional blow of losing a building where they had gathered for weddings, funerals, and baptisms, as well as for weekly worship. This was where families had come for Christmas and Easter services, sharing those times with their loved ones.
And then the camera pulled out of the building and into what appeared to be a parking lot, and I realized I was seeing the congregation at worship! A line of people was quietly walking in procession, receiving Holy Communion. I could see a man and next to him a woman holding a bottle of wine and pouring it as the communicants stopped in front of her. What a witness, what a powerful message these people were sending to all who saw them — although the building has been destroyed, the Church is standing strong! The bread was broken, the wine was poured, the words, “Given for you . . . shed for you,” were spoken, and God was present with one and all.
This Reformation Sunday, we’ll sing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” and be reminded that God is our refuge and strength. We know the storms of life may blow and destroy, but there is a place to go to find solace for our sorrowing, wounded spirits. In the Gospel of Matthew, 18:20, Jesus told his disciples of the power of community in him: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Our own congregation began its existence worshiping in an elementary school gym, and most of us have worshiped in non-church surroundings. But whether in a rubble-strewn parking lot, a magnificent cathedral, or any other environment, as we gather in Christ’s name, we are assured he is there among us.
Oh, and the name of that church in Florida — it’s St. Andrew United Methodist Church!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers