Second Sunday of Easter: The Resurrection Story Continued in the Bible and in My Own
This past Sunday, the second Sunday of Easter, I had the honor of preaching at the congregation I called home throughout high school and college, and where many of my friends and family still attend.
When I was in high school I sang on the praise team, but always wanted to do the communion talk or have the opportunity to preach. But, at the time, we (we being women) weren't allowed to do anything more than sing on the praise team. We couldn't pass the communion trays, we couldn't pray during the service, we certainly couldn't preach.
The church tradition I grew up in historically has not allowed women to lead in any format, and the fact that at the time this congregation would let women sing (one the stage!!) on praise team was a BIG deal to other local congregations in our denomination. We were the "progressive" church of Christ. And yet, we were not close to being able to fully welcome women into leadership, though there was talk of reaching that point some day.
Then, this past Sunday, about fifteen years after I first started attending this congregation, I was given the opportunity, and the gift, of preaching to a community who shaped me in so many ways over the years. This congregation has worked so hard and had so many hard and important conversations to reach this point, and I am honored to have received the invitation and welcome of preaching within a few months of the first female preacher sharing with the congregation around Christmas.
As I prepared my sermon I felt calm and confident - trusting in the skills I have honed over the years, in addition to the gifts I have been given.
The morning of, I woke up, made coffee, got dressed and ready for the day, and made the 45 minute drive up to Valley Church Burton (previously Valley Church of Christ). I felt calm and excited on the drive up, but once I pulled into the parking lot I had a few butterflies flutter around my stomach. I grabbed my things and walked into the building - still mostly empty as the praise band practiced (which Clay was a part of and had arrived for rehearsal for ahead of me).
As I walked in, my good friend and pastor of the congregation greeted me with "Good morning, preacher!" It brought a smile to my masked face.
As I sat in the auditorium, looking over my notes as the band practiced, I got more butterflies in my stomach, but felt at peace. Though, I was starting to get a bit emotional... I shoved back tears and told myself that I was not going to cry today. Today was a good day, and I could feel my emotions about it later (classic enneagram 9).
As service started, I just sat in my chair breathing deeply and asking God to use me and my words to bring a word from God to these people, whom I love dearly.
After several songs, my friend introduced me and I began to walk up on the stage. I removed my mask, said "Good morning!," and once at the podium, I set down my papers, took a breath in preparation of starting and then had to pause as a wave of emotion washed over me and I began to tear up. I took a few deep breaths, acknowledged the importance of what I was about to do, and then began.
This sermon, as I preached on Luke 24:13-35, was a continuation of the resurrection story, and as a part of the sermon we partook in communion together. My voice remained steady, I led the congregation through the text, through communion, and ended with a benediction calling us to embody Christ and recognizing Christ in others. I sat down, feeling a sense of calm and lightness as I relaxed in my seat. Grateful for the opportunity, for the signs of resurrection and new life in a congregation that (after years) welcomed me fully, for the support of my husband, family, and friends who were there in person and online, and for all the moments that led up to this day.
After the service was over I was overwhelmed by the kind words of so many who came up to me and shared their thanks and encouragement. While our faces were hidden behind masks, our eyes met and revealed honest emotions on both sides.
This was a day I will not soon forget. I am so grateful for congregations that do the hard and holy work of becoming a place and people that truly welcomes all. I firmly believe that we more fully display the image of God when we embody the diversity of our Trinitarian God - united in diversity, embracing each other in our uniqueness and as those made in God's image. When we create space for God's people to live into their gifts and callings, when we fully welcome God's people as who they are created to be, we partner with God in bringing God's kingdom just a little closer.
Thank you, Valley, for your continued pursuit of hospitality. Thank you for welcoming me. For welcoming women. And for making the picture of heaven on earth just a little bit clearer.
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