I saw Floyd walking across the church parking lot with his walker and I ran to him for a fist-bump. I hadn’t seen him for over a year. His wife, Mickie, was carrying a grocery bag for the food bank collection. I grabbed the bag and said, “Good to see you!”. Later, during communion as we were walking up to the front of the sanctuary to receive the elements, I saw Bill. I tapped him on the shoulder, did another fist-bump and smiled. Hadn’t seen him for a year either.

The sanctuary was full last Sunday. Our former Pastor, who retired three years ago, was preaching that day. The sermon was based on Jesus statement, “I am the vine; you are the branches” in the gospel of John, chapter 15. We were both comforted in the idea of being joined to Christ, and challenged to live as fruitful branches. And Christ was present with us in the supper; the life giving bread and cup. We sang old hymns and new songs, unmuffled, out loud.

After the service, the coffee fellowship hour commenced, something we hadn’t done for about a year. Everywhere, people were smiling, greeting each other, laughing, talking helping some of the older folks into chairs, fetching cake and coffee. All without masks.

We caught up on each other’s lives; who had the COVID 19 virus, how they fared and survived, and exchanged hugs. A couple of us men chatted about the upcoming selection of Elders and Deacons, when evening worship services might resume, and confirmed our tee times for Monday’s golf game.

People loving people. That’s what we are; that’s what we were created to be. Thanks be to the God who made us! Thanks be to the God who saves us! Thanks be to the God who is making all things new!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: 

just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples,

if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35 (ESV)