I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spiritand that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. – Ephesians 3:16-17
No matter where we worship, whether it’s a congregation with which we have deep connections or one we’ve never been to before, the church can feel like home. The people, sacraments and liturgy help keep us rooted and grounded in love.
Connected through community
Earlier this year, I preached at a church I served years ago. My oldest daughter was born during our time there, and it was a joy to show her where she was baptized. So many people talked to her as if she were family, because they had said the congregational vows to help raise her in the faith during her baptism.
The current pastor invited me to lead the children’s time as well. I shared with them that church is a home, and my return there felt like a homecoming. I assured them that there would always be a place for them at church. The people or location may change, but God’s welcome does not.
Even though I had not been back there in many years, my roots in that community of faith felt deep. Perhaps because during my time there I went through many personal changes: Moving to a new state as a newlywed, being newly ordained, becoming a new mom. It was powerful to be there again, and I was thrilled to see many new faces. It was fun to see former youth and young adults still worshiping there with their own children. I have nothing but love for the people of that church and our ministry together.
Connected through sacraments
Recently I celebrated Holy Communion with a church I had never attended before. The people and space were different, but The Great Thanksgiving was the same. There is such comfort in the sameness, in knowing the ritual and being connected to Jesus through remembering the final meal he had with his disciples.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, knew that receiving Holy Communion is a powerful act of receiving God’s grace. Therefore, we have an open table. Anyone is welcome to come to the table and receive, whether or not they are a member of any church …even if they are not yet sure what they believe.
Wesley said receiving the bread and wine could be a powerful conversion experience. As each of us remember that Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving (words from the Great Thanksgiving).
During a baptism, we are reminded that all of us are God’s beloved children. We proclaim our faith (or have it proclaimed for us by our parents and sponsors). When we witness a baptism in the congregation, we remember our baptism and are thankful. Baptisms are joyful, because we are welcoming someone into the faith, and surrounding them with the love and care of our particular community of faith.
Connected in our discipleship
The sacraments are just one way we are rooted in our faith. They remind us that we are connected with our church family, believers across the denomination and other Christians throughout the world.
I have been a part of seven United Methodist churches in my life, either as a pastor or congregant. Each church has unique qualities, but they are all very similar, despite their varying sizes. I could write a love story about each one. I could write glowing reviews about many of the churches that I have had the opportunity to visit, whether to preach or sit in the pew. The connectionalism of United Methodism is just one of the many strengths of our denomination.
I hope the next time you participate in a baptism or receive Holy Communion, or maybe return to a church from your past, you will remember the deep root system that keeps you grounded in your discipleship.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:6-7
May we stay rooted in being disciples of Jesus Christ, growing in our faith and serving others with grateful hearts.
The Rev. Tiffany McDonald is an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference. She has served as a University Chaplain, solo pastor and associate pastor, and is currently appointed to family leave. Tiffany lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her husband and two daughters. Follow her blog: redheadedrev.org
