As we
grow older, we often look back and share memories from growing up. Things like
our family size, where we lived, and the schools we attended. What do you
remember most about school? Was it a favorite teacher? Maybe it was a sport you
played, a subject you enjoyed or the friends you made. Most of us have fond
memories of school but we can also remember those times that were just plain awkward.
You know, like standing there in your gym clothes waiting to be picked for a
team. Or how about walking into the crowded lunch room searching for a familiar
face, desperately looking for someone to invite you to join their lunch group.
We often
think that “fitting in” is just a middle school problem, but it’s not. Last
week I attended a conference with other Lutheran pastors in my synod. The event
started Sunday evening with a delicious BBQ dinner on the lawn of the hosting
church, just across the street from a beautiful city park. I was a little late
arriving so others were already sitting at tables eating their dinner, enjoying
the weather, music and each other’s company. I got in line, filled my plate and
then found myself searching the tables for a familiar face. I had a flashback
to middle school and that awkward feeling of wondering where I fit in. On my
way to the food line, I had seen my friend and former pastor but her table was
already full. So now what? Was I brave enough to approach a table of people I
didn’t know? If I stood there too long people may begin to notice and start
talking about the “new girl.” Finally, I spotted a colleague from my conference
and sat down at an open seat at his table. No matter how old we are, we still
get uncomfortable in new situations. We like things to be familiar, we want to
feel like we fit in.
The
situation of wanting to fit in with my colleagues made me think about church
and being a part of a Christian community. God has created us to live in
community. We have several books of the bible written by leaders like Paul,
Peter and John, to the early church. These are letters of encouragement to
Christian communities who are struggling with many things but generally they
are just trying to figure out what it means to be the church, you could say
they are feeling like they don’t “fit-in” with the world around them.
When we’ve strayed away from
church or have never attended a church worship service before, it can be really
hard to walk into that church building. We wonder if we’ll know anyone. Will
people stare at me and know that it’s been a really long time since I’ve
worshipped? Will I know what to do or the songs that they sing? These are all
legitimate concerns based out of our desire to fit in. But the desire of God
wanting us to be together in Christian community, can override our fears and
concerns.
Yes, walking into a church
for worship can be a little awkward but what I continually hear from visitors
is that they felt welcomed here in this Christian community. If it’s been a
while since you’ve attended church, I invite you to join us or a Christian community
that is familiar to you. Here in this place, you’ll feel the love of a
community that doesn’t have all the answers but finds joy in walking together
in faith as we try and “fit in” to the world around us. Come join us, all are
welcome! “We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also
may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and
with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:3-4)
