You are the Church

One of my favorite passages of Scripture, and one that I often preach at weddings, is found in the third chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians. As I reflect on my father’s transition, and the ways in which God has used all of you--the members of First Baptist Church--to minister to our family during this time, I am drawn back to Paul’s words: “Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:!2 VOICE)

During the COVID pandemic, faith communities across the nation, including FBC, had to grapple with what it means to be the church. Unable to gather in particular locations at set times, we quickly learned that church is not a building, nor is church defined by or confined to the 10:30 hour that we gather for worship on Sunday morning. We came to understand that church--the church of the True and Living God--is so much more than that. In many ways, we were forced to return to the ancient definition of church (in Greek, eklesia) as the gathered ones called out and set apart by God, summoned for a specific purpose.

Which brings me back to our season of bereavement. FBC, you have embodied church during this time. You have taken seriously, with your actions, what is required of those who have been set apart by God. You have clothed yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, in garments expansive enough to cover our entire family. Thank you, First Baptist, for not playing church, or simply doing church, but we give God praise and thanks for you being the church--called out and set apart by God, summoned to exude and extend love to all.

Growing in Christ

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah