Dear saints,
This past Tuesday, I celebrated the 4th of July with family in Minnesota. The usual and customary protocols were followed, including a morning parade where the kids bring a large bag to collect candy from the local Democrats, Republicans, grocery stores, Miss Minnesota, a Senator, a Governor, several marching bands and a couple different clown acts. One clown advertised "Free haircuts. Get what you pay for." He had giant cardboard scissors.
Cue a thunderstorm, with rain so thick you could barely see across the street!
There is a large Episcopal church along the parade route (St. Stephen's), and it quickly became a storm shelter. They flung open their doors and invited everyone inside. The guest list included dogs, parents, children, grandparents, and anybody who didn't want to get soaked. There were easily 500 people gathered in the church, happy to be safely out of the rain. There was a piano, and the music director was an old acquaintance, so I played for an hour or so. We sang patriotic hymns, What a Wonderful World and simply enjoyed the fact that we were together.
Eventually, the priest announced that it was safe to go back outside. The police kept the parade route safe, and the delayed parade returned in most of its splendor. I couldn't quite hear I'm Proud to be an American blasting, but in that moment, I felt so grateful for the blessings of liberty and security. I felt grateful for all those who keep us safe each day, including members of the armed forces, police officers and emergency responders.
It was also a reminder of what God calls the church to be. A shelter in a time of storm. A gathering place, even across difference. A group of Christians who meet the people Jesus loves where they live, work and play. A generous community that exists to give itself away. It was beautiful to see the same spiritual practices we aspire to at work in one of our sister congregations, 1,100 miles away from midtown Atlanta.
Sincerely,
Andy+
