One of the best kept secrets at Epiphany is the coffee hour after the 8am service. Ask any 8 o’clocker and they’ll tell you. It’s a beautiful expression of community. Instead of separating into groups at different tables, everyone sits at the same round table.
“How does everyone fit?” You may ask. Well let me tell you. The table keeps expanding. Those around the table push their chairs out to expand the circle to make sure everyone is included.
What a beautiful image for us during this Easter season. Being Easter people means seeking out community practices that bring life and hope. No one gets left out. The beauty of church communities is that they include all types of people. (Even some who might not be the first we’d choose to be friends with.) That’s a good thing! When you reach out of your traditional circle of friends to include others, you are embodying the love of Christ. We get to practice this together as a church community — which is good news for the world.
I’m reminded of the hymn, Draw The Circle Wide. The lyrics go like this: “Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one (sits) alone. (Sitting) side by side. Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.”
As the season is changing and there is literally new life popping out of the ground and growing on the trees, let us be seekers of new life in our parish community as well.
Grateful for you all!
Rev. Janelle
