Why we are, the way we are

This song has been running through my head these last 24 hours - as I think about the reasons the HomePage is in existence, and why we are the way we are...


I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

When I think back now, many years, and where it all began, we continue to see the prints left by those who have worshiped with us through the years. Because those experiences are a part of our story, they make our experiences sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet, and always left at the throne of God. It all comes down to the fact that near or far, we are part of the family of God. Watching a relationship restored is inspiring - realizing what was lost is found again, and deeper joy is found allowing another into our lives again. For that reason alone I have often prayed Joel 2:25 "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." And God does, repeatedly, bless us with renewed relationships that are more fulfilling and gratifying then the years the "locusts" took.

It's terribly exciting as well to see the young people in our midst starting to ask questions, as they begin their journey of faith, both in an abstract sense of biblical study, prayer and reflection, and in a concrete sense experiencing worship, in a setting of family and faith. And starting to take ownership of the worship service as well, in a few years I anticipate that in my ripe old thirties I will likely retire as part of the regular worship leadership. There are young people growing in faith, preparing to take leadership, and own their worship experience. So we are also a part of the growing family of God. What a blessing!! And my dearest, most fervent hope is that there won't ever be any doubt if they belong to the family of God, because from their newest moments, when they joined worship with us, they will have experienced how much they are loved and wanted by a church family. With each little person, growing young adult, and grown-up with "you in our family, happy, happy HomePage."

Part of the experience is realizing that being a part of us every week isn't for everyone. That is ok. If there is a place where your emotional needs for connection, and spiritual growth are met, that is where you are meant to be. We are a family, the family of God. In some relationships, we literally are family. Imagine for a moment you experience the holiday season (Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas with extended family) every week at church, and you get an idea of how difficult it can be to worship together. Often imperfect in our interactions with each other, but through the lessons of worshiping together, and ministering together, we are also growing together.


Family of God
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but PRAISE GOD! I belong!

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God