Dear friends,
I am still feeling the joy of yesterday’s service, pancake brunch, and baby shower. It was a joy to have all 11 members of the Kombete family with us (thank you Steve and Susan Hauser for getting them here). We also had staff members from the International Rescue Committee, who are Muslim, and French speaking Jewish friends who have helped with translations. And, of course, the Dixieland Jazz Band. It was, as one person said, our own DEI Sunday. Just as church should be.
The day reminded me of one of my favorite songs, Crowded Table, by the Highwomen. Here are the lyrics.
You can hold my hand
When you need to let go
I can be your mountain
When you're feeling valley-low
I can be your streetlight
Showing you the way home
You can hold my hand
When you need to let go
I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done
If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed
Plant a little happiness
Let the roots run deep
If it's love that we give
Then it's love that we reap
If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed
Yeah I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done
The door is always open
Your picture's on my wall
Everyone's a little broken
And everyone belongs
Yeah, everyone belongs
I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done
And bring us back together when the day is done
These lyrics are a wonderful description of what the church should be. A place where everyone’s a little broken, and everyone belongs. A place where we give each other a hand when necessary, and shine God’s light to those who live in darkness. A place that cultivates joy, kindness, and love. A place that sends us out to “take on the world,” and where we are brought back together each Sunday. A place where there is always room at the table, no matter how crowded it may be. At our best that is who we are. Yesterday, we were at our joyful, chaotic best.
Here is a video of the Highwomen singing Crowded Table. Enjoy.
With love,
Tricia