the tent and the lobby

by kristin friedery

we step outside into the heat. dry heat with sand and dirt blowing all around us. a group of men and women are hurrying by in their robes and sandals, entering a nearby building. following them, we discover a group of people crowding into a room. it seems as though there are too many people for the space, but everyone keeps making room for the next person who walks through the door. there is a feast on the table and everyone is beginning to wash their hands and arms before diving in to share the food. they all seem to know and love each other. once they begin eating, dozens of small conversations begin, ranging from the serious debate in the corner to the raucous laughter across the table from where we stand. once the meal is over, a man stands up and begins to speak. he welcomes his brothers and sisters in the name of the risen one. they all seem intimately familiar with the man to whom he refers. they turn to each other and embrace, greeting those around them as family. a basket is passed around and returned to the front of the room overflowing with coins from the pockets of the crowd. the man who is still standing begins to speak. he speaks words of love and hope. he speaks of this risen one, Jesus, with deep reverence. he entreats those in the room to continue to spend time with each other, to remember the words of Jesus and to act on his teachings. the afternoon darkens to evening and eventually to night. the man finishes speaking and the crowd once again breaks into smaller conversations. they ask about families and friends. people start to drift out of the door, on their way home. a few people who have travelled far to be at this meeting discuss arrangements for staying with their hosts. we exit the room and hop back into our delorean and zoom to present day.


but we have a quick stop to make first. we park in front of a building that is non-descriptive, except for a cross over the door. we are again greeted by a crowd of people flowing through the door. they seem excited to see each other and greet each other with hugs and high fives. once inside the building, they mingle in the lobby area. it appears that the majority of them know each other well. a few outsiders cling to the perimeter of the room, but not for long. they are warmly greeted and welcomed by members of the group. eventually everyone moves into a larger room with chairs. there is music playing and people singing along. a short sermon dedicated to the command given by Jesus to "love one another," afterwhich communion is served. the people serve each other the bread and the wine, clearly relishing the meaning behind the ceremony. the service closes with more singing. a few people leave quickly, but the majority stick around to visit with each other more. as they leave, some drop a few bills from their wallets and purses into boxes set up by the doors. the boxes are labeled "help the community."

the common thread between the early church and this modern church is the people. they are both about a community coming together to worship God through interacting with each other, singing, listening, giving, eating, etc... church isn't about when or where or what...it is about the community of believers coming together to support and love, challenge and grow. a church isn't the big brick building on the corner in town, the community would exist without the bricks and mortar, just as it did in the homes of the early church members.