Fellowship

On Tuesday afternoon, I took a van full of retired people to view leaves in a nearby mountainous county.  They were thrilled to get out and fellowship.  They spoke of their past experiences and memories of the changes in that community.  We ate lunch by a river and saw the spectacles of color that only God could have created.  It was a refreshing trip and they were grateful for the outing.  It was a great time to allow people to open up about their life concerns. 

That Saturday night, for All Saints Day, we had a get-together in the fellowship hall.  We grilled burgers and hotdogs and had plenty of laughs.  Some of the members brought musical instruments.  I was hesitant to bring my guitar, but my wife insisted that I do so and she brought her violin.  The guy who had the most experience in music lead the songs.  We sang mostly songs the Cokesbury hymnal and some from a Baptist hymnal.  There were those who sat and listened and some that sang with us.  There were a few of the men who got teary-eyed.  I felt so selfish because I really didn't want to play my guitar that night because I felt like nobody would want to listen, but it was that simple act of doing so that made a difference to some people there that night.  The Holy Spirit moved several of us that night through the music and the fellowship.  I ended the night playing some games with the youth, showing off my lack of ping pong skills.  We had so many laughs and made some memories together as a church.  Sometimes when we define worship, we are guilty of thinking about a formal church service when worship is sometimes best experienced in small groups, meeting the worship styles of the individual worshipers.  Some experience God best through eating together and having discussions while others experience God best through music.  For some it is activities together such as games or sports.  That night I made many connections both on the emotional and spiritual level. That's discipling! That is church!