Beautifully Simple

As the last person left, and the door closed behind them, I was again amazed at how simple and beautiful church can be. Not because there was a lack of complexities, a prepared sermon, or special music, but because the evening is approached in a simple way. Most of us come to the evening with a sense of "I wonder what God is going to do tonight." And some of us come with a little bit of nervousness because we know God wants us to share something that He's taught us.

Last night, Shari led us through a simple Advent ritual: readings, prayers, Scripture and lighting the candles. It was profound. Dave said, "... growing up in an liturgically starved tradition, I really appreciate these moments..." I believe most of us were touched deeply as we were encouraged to anticipate the coming of Christ.

I've learned that church is not an event to be attended and evaluated, it's what happenes when "called ones" get together focusing on Christ. Simple and beautiful.