Second Life

Today was the day that members of Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville have been waiting for. It was a day to remember what happened just over three years ago, a fire that destroyed most of the church’s building. But mostly, it was a day to celebrate the journey that this particular piece of God’s kingdom has taken through the wilderness, and that journey’s completion in the promised land of it’s new church building. This morning, a sanctuary that was being used for worship for the first time was filled to the rafters (almost literally with those in the balcony) with church members, friends, neighbors, staff, and the media. Oh yes, I’m sure hardly anyone noticed the camera guy going up and down the center aisle for the first half hour of the service.

The very large congregation processed inside the new building from the front driveway to the music of the handbell choir, which Chasie and I have been participating in. Once everyone was inside, the choir began things with a dance-processional and a song of praise from Cameroon. The executive presbyter spoke, we sang “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” and worship began. Together, we experienced God’s presence in the singing of Advent hymns, the reading of scripture, the hearing of sermon, and the great feast of the Lord’s supper. Lots of special music, much of it composed by church members and friends (we are in Music City, USA, after all) was sprinkled throughout the service. There were lots of pictures being taken, and memories being made.

The new building is a really great expression of the church’s faith. Mission is built in, with much of the space being devoted to use by outside groups. Room in the Inn will have some new spaces beginning this week, where a dozen or so homeless women will spend their Thursday nights in the activity center, with access to the new laundry and shower facilities that haven’t been available in the past few years.

As the procession into the new space began, Jim reminded everyone to think about the memories they had of the old sanctuary, and the way they had felt when they saw it burning in September of 2003. Although I certainly was not around for any of that, and have only been a part of this church for three months now, it was truly a wonderful moment to see the cross from the old sanctuary that survived the fire lead the way into the new building, and to see new friends pass by into our new home of faith.

Jeff Crossan wrote and sang this song for today’s worship.

“This is Our Prayer”

Here may the door be always open,
may the word of God be spoken
May the truth be brought to light,
here may the seeker find salvation
And by graceful transformation,
may the blind be given sight.

Here may God’s wisdom be desired,
may the dreamer be inspired
May the tearful be consoled,
here may the doubtful find assurance
May the prayerful have endurance,
may the broken be made whole.

This is our prayer, Lord hear our prayer.

Here may the sinner be forgiven,
may the needy find provision
May the weary find their rest,
here may injustice be rejected
May all people be accepted,
may our gathering be blessed.

Here we are gifts to one another,
as we live to serve each other
As we listen for God’s,
here may the offerings we’ve given
Help preserve the world we live in,
and bring peace to one and all.

This is our prayer, Lord hear our prayer.

Here may Christ’s followers be grateful,
and endeavor to be faithful
Asking guidance from above,
here may our eyes be graced with vision
May our hands be granted mission,
may our hearts be filled with love.