Bring on the Casseroles

As I pondered what to write about this week, I reflected on my experience of church this past Sunday. Only two people there knew that I had just experienced a loss, and I wanted to fly under the radar because I knew that once I started talking about it I’d be a complete mess. I actually went to church thinking I was in control and fine.

Without knowing it, my church family ministered to me in so many ways, letting the shell over my grief crack open. Their faith, joy and care for each other was powerful, from the focus on the resurrection promise throughout the hymns to our newest baby coming to church with her older siblings, to preschoolers dancing and twirling during the praise songs, to people caring for widows and checking in with families. I was acutely aware of the ministry that happens in my church which is not obvious and not just about a minister at the front.

As the church, doing what we do every week, showing our backbone and faith when times are tough and providing strength to those who are weak, we witness in powerful ways. We can take for granted the power of that ministry of presence and conviction when things are going great, but when we are struggling it becomes vital and healing.

Mary at the empty tomb was weeping and she didn’t even recognize who Jesus was. But He was there, saying what she needed to hear to be reassured, and her grief turned to joy which she raced to share with others. Jesus would appear many other times to reassure the disciples, to let them know what was to come, and to strengthen them for what lay ahead.

I celebrate the ministry of the church, the body of Christ, as we seek to bring His very presence into difficult circumstances. The longer we are part of His body, hopefully the more attuned we become to the needs of others. In grief and difficulty, we show up for each other, offering prayers, comfort and casseroles. We take care of practical needs and spiritual needs. We stand together and offer reassurance and space to heal when people feel ready to share what is happening in their lives.

At a recent funeral for a church member I’d known my whole life, I was moved by the large turnout. Many there were seniors and lifetime churchgoers who were very comfortable and knew the hymns and sang with conviction, while those who were not part of the church looked out of step, even uncomfortable as they sat through something at least a bit foreign to them. At church this week, a mother and her son wandered in just as the service was starting. I wonder if they will be back because there wasn’t time for anyone to assist them with knowing what to do before things started.

There is so much power and so many gifts in Christian community, which we generally eagerly share with each other in times of trouble. It is so beautiful to see. And yet we are challenged to address the gap between aging congregational members well-versed in the faith and the next generations who have often been away from church for a long time or never been at all. In my experience, many families who come to church do so because they are hoping to find help of some kind and are broken.

How do we intentionally fold these people into our community, support them in their journey and help them to understand why we do what we do? Churches do this in a variety of ways, but it is a good conversation to have with welcome teams and greeters and ushers, as well as leaders in educational programs. What information might families need as they come in the door? How do we connect with new people without overwhelming them, expressing welcome and care? How do we communicate that this is a living place of support, full of hope and joy, even in the midst of the pain and struggles of our lives? How do we identify and match those with gifts to share and those with needs?

This week, reflect on those who are part of your church family, and who God has waiting in the wings who might just have the courage to check out your church. How are you being intentional in communicating the role of the congregation in caring for each other? How do you keep in contact and help carry each other’s burdens? How do you express the same compassion and patience as Christ did as you serve as His body?

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!