Day 4

Today OUTsights welcomes guest blogger, Synod guest, and board member Deb Tiemens.

When Room for All asked for space in which to hold an inclusive worship service today (the first Sunday of General Synod), the request was denied.  We instead worshipped and celebrated in the great outdoors, regardless of the wind and uncertain elements.

It reminds me of a time many years ago when an RCA pastor friend of mine told a group of people he “would not serve communion to a homosexual.” It broke my heart with the realization that I was no longer welcome in his church. But I also knew, just as I know now, the Church is not made of bricks and mortar, it is made of Her people.  And wherever we gather, God will bless us and commune with us there.

Communion in Sligo Creek Park

I did not go to the place where you worship this morning. You said you would not serve me Communion.

You said you would not serve me because of who I love.

I went instead to Sligo Creek Park. The winding path into the trees was analogous to the path of life.

Some were entering, some leaving, some enthusiastic, others worn and weary.

No one asked me if I was worthy when I entered. Instead, they gave freely of their gifts; a smile, a

friendly wink, some acknowledgement of our shared experience.

My legs stretched awake with each quickening step. I worshiped with my muscles and my bones.

My blood raced through my veins as I devoured the morning air. I worshiped with my heart and my lungs.

The sun’s warmth sliced through the trees at me like a sword and the breeze tickled my face. I worshiped with my skin.

I beheld the beauty of the trees, the colors of the leaves as varied as the people I passed by. I worshiped with my eyes.

I sniffed the scent of pine and listened to the life songs of insects and birds and human voices. I worshiped with my nose and my ears.

As I neared the end of the trail, my heart was bursting with thankfulness and praise. Thankful for the earth, for health, for life…for love.

Thank you, God, for meeting me here today. Thank you for serving me your Sweet Communion in Sligo Creek Park.