This summer, while our sanctuary refresh is in progress, we are worshipping in Swenson Hall.  Even with two services, it is a tight squeeze, and it will be great to move back into a beautiful, “new” sanctuary.  Nevertheless, there have been positives to the more intimate services; one of which is that it brings us back to our roots as a church, and as a part of the Church large.  Before the sanctuary was built, our congregation worshipped in Swenson Hall, a converted house, and the early Church also worshipped in houses.  The first purpose-built church building was built near the beginning of the third century.

            It seems trite to say it, but this must have given a “homey” atmosphere for first century services of the early church.  As described in Acts, the believers also shared a common agape meal (potluck), or love-feast (Jude 12).  Later Paul would report some problems with the practice, but it still served to provide fellowship for the believers and strengthen their common beliefs. These early services included an offering, discussion of those in need, and deciding how to help them. All this was open to the entire community, and as noted in 1 Corinthians 14:33 it was hoped that others would see that “God is really among you.”  Visitors were not allowed during the last part of the service, since communion was open only to baptized Christians.

            Before coming to Ocala and Joy, Paulette and I were members of a Moravian church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  The Moravians are a liturgical church much like the Lutheran church, and are in full communion with the ELCA.  At Christmas and other times of the year the Moravians hold special services called love-feasts; many non-Moravians attend the Christmas love-feasts, and I’ve heard it said that in Winston-Salem everyone is a Moravian at Christmas.  The service is primarily a hymn sing with the ushers (dieners) passing out refreshments (usually coffee and a spiced bun, but sometimes lemonade and sugar cookie in the summer).  There is special music to allow the congregation to partake in the meal.  It is an attempt to regain the spirit (or Spirit – pun intended) of the early church.  Everyone looks forward to the service and leaves feeling blessed and encouraged.

            At Joy we don’t hold services designated to be love-feasts, but our coffee and sweets fellowship serves some of the same purpose.  Our conversations and the greeting we give each other before the prelude do the same.  This is especially important for us, since we have many older members who have limited opportunity for contact with others.  Like the early Church, it is a way (probably the most efficient) to learn about the needs of others in the congregation.  Sometimes the only help we can give is listening and giving assurance that we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers, which means this personal contact is doubly important. Indeed, fellowship is a part of our formal mission statement.  For visitors, it is the best way to show them that “God is really among you” here at Joy.  Meeting in the more intimate setting of a former house (Swenson) only helps to make our bound of fellowship even stronger.

            God’s love doesn’t only shine directly on us, but it is also reflected on us through the love of our fellow Christians.  Our fellowship with other Christians is one way we feel God’s unconditional love for YOU and me.

            Jim