In Ephesians 2: 11-22, one of the lectionary scriptures for today, Gentile readers/hearers who have recently come to the Christian faith and those persons of a Jewish heritage are told that they are together, brought together by Christ. Whether they knew and had experienced the covenants and promises of God from their ancestors’ time or barely had heard of them, they now all know Christ and Christ has “brought down the walls between them.” As written in Eugene Person’s contemporary language of The Message: “He (Jesus) started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people, separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everyone.”

Centuries later many more than two groups, we know we have been brought together by Christ and we are together in Christ. I find myself especially aware of that in worship, and having perceived it in worship I am more likely to hold onto being ‘together in Christ’ through the week.

Of course, we know that those who are together in Christ are all of God’s beloved’s  (with a small ‘b’). Still, I think it helps me to truly be one with all, worldwide, when I have a community with whom I see, feel, taste that togetherness on a weekly basis. Thanks be to God for Beloved Community Church and God’s other congregational families around the world!

Recently I was particularly touched by this portion of a prayer: “God of wisdom here at week’s end as we prepare for worship in community,… May we have and take the opportunity to, in the words of another scripture for today:     … shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!  …march into God’s presence  singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!

(Psalm 95:1-2, The Message)

-Nancy Sales