Strangely Familiar

The last time I attended the Webster church was in 2002, right before I moved to Illinois. Even though I had driven there at least twice a week for several years to work with the choir, I looked up the directions, just in case. Things change, after all.

As soon as I turned onto 590N, it began to fall into place. Same exit ramp onto Bay Road, same tantalizing view from the bridge, same streets, same buildings. Right onto Klem Road, pull into the far drive and swing around behind the building. The same and yet different. There were new houses here and there, and once I entered the sanctuary, a brand new look. The platform had been modified, the piano was new, the decor gentler, the air - cooled! Hallelujah, air conditioning!

There was the choir - familiar faces, new faces - warming up, practicing anthems. I felt a twinge of jealousy watching a stranger conduct. The service was wonderful - so vibrant and alive. My heart rejoiced that this deserving community had not only survived, but was thriving and growing. Attendance was good, especially for an August service.

I looked around for people I had worked with. I don't always remember names, but faces stay with me. Some were there, others missing. I watched with amusement as people looked at me with puzzled glances, then amazement as they remembered me.

What a joy to be with family again, if only for a brief moment. How true what the interim pastor said - "Once you are part of a place, you always belong." And how encouraging that people were interested in PrayerSong. I believe there are several who will come and sing with us and others who will have us come to sing for loved ones with cancer.

As I passed out my recruiting flier, I lifted my heart in prayer for these wonderful people holding up the light of Christ in their corner of the world with such joy. What an interesting interwoven path we travel. Who would have guessed when first I met this choir that I would return years later and reconnect? How great is that!