Little Big Church
There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. 13 We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
We started the month of June off with significant moments, which were cozy, intimate, and special to our little congregation.
On the same exact day I had the privilege of facilitating both my first baptism and first baby dedication as an ordained minister. These are the days we hang in there for when times are tough. It is beyond a shadow of a doubt the best part of ministry.
A Baptism and a Baby Dedication
The baptism for Hailee took place in my sisters back yard. Our group gathered on the patio, her aunt, Robyn, read her beautiful story of God’s prevenient, saving, and sustaining grace. And Joel led us in song as Hailee emerged from the water, aware of how the Spirit is continuing his work to make all things new.
We migrated over to the host house for our dinner and worship service. The service included the liturgy for Baby Dedication, which is my favorite part of the MANUAL of the Church of the Nazarene. As part of this, we pledge as a congregation to be a team in raising this sweet baby in the ways of the Lord. We showed off our church baby and talked about the miracle he was. Everyone brought home flowers as a reminder of the blossoming faith we’re nurturing.
These were sweet and deeply personal moments for us. But, much of the month was also characterized by our connection to “big” church, as both a part of The Church of the Nazarene, and the even wider union of all Christ followers throughout the earth.
Small Church, Big Family
The AZ District Assembly took place at Oro Valley near Tucson. This is one of the three largest Nazarene congregations in North America, and the contrasts between Oro Valley and The Table are nearly comical. For one thing, our in-house coffee shop situation is pretty underwhelming in comparison. And our tech guy is nine. But, I reflected, while we were there, how much the partnership between our congregations, large and small can be mutually beneficial and serve their own functions within The Church. One of the highlights of this was the testimony of a pastor visiting from a country in which religious participation is not encouraged, and building churches is not permitted. But building garages is allowed! And, if there’s one thing I’ve come to relate to, it’s gathering for worship in unusual places!
Soon after this, two of our Table members joined a sister church, Journey of Grace, on a mission trip to Belize. Seeing pictures of them sharing their time and their faith with their brothers and sisters in Christ both down the street and far beyond warmed all of our hearts.
In the meantime, two of our teens, Kody, and Moses, and I traveled with 200 teens from our District to join 10,000 Nazarene teens and chaperones in Salt Lake City for the Nazarene Youth Conference. This has historically happened every four years. The speakers spread much needed messages of hope, and purpose as we met with, sang with, prayed with and played with each other like a little sample of Heaven on Earth. Depending on who you ask, the highlight might have been the Josiah Queen concert. Or, rafting with the kids from Oro Valley. Or, when I got to meet up again with my high school bestie who has been living in Idaho.
But, as always, there’s no place like home. Back at the Table, Joel and Melisha had both taken turns leading the services I missed. New friends joined us. Special days were celebrated, and connections were made.
We are so thankful for both the small and the big of the kingdom of God.
Want to see what a Sunday at The Table looks like? Plan your visit and pull up a chair.
