September 7, 2008 Sermon
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Proper 18 - A
September 7, 2008 Allan Conkling
Today is Rally Sunday here at church. It is the day to officially welcome us all back and kick off the fall programs here at Emmanuel. Actually every Sunday is Rally Sunday in that we continually rally ourselves together to worship, to sing God's praise, to remember God's work of redemption, and learn new things about God and about ourselves.
Today is special because we are worshipping in our "new" Great Room. You know we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us whether they are giants like Moses, Paul or Jesus; or simply those back in 2003 who voted to build this beautiful new building. We are here because others cared enough to provide for us. Pray we do our part to provide for our children and our children's children.
I came here in 2004 so I have never known a time without this Great Room. As time passes more and more people like me will know only the openness, hospitality and versatility this room possesses. Never forget however that we are not identified by our buildings, but our people. It is the people who are the church. We are the body of Christ gathered in prayer, worship and fellowship. We are the living breathing body, a vibrant organism with the soul of Christ. We inhale and exhale the Spirit of God. I That means the Spirit of God is dynamic, never static. Our worship is not about ourselves, nor about our perfection. We are here for God and others.
I made a promise to myself today that I would keep this sermon short, so I will. We have a full day ahead and are "blessed" by many different activities. I ask simply that you keep in mind Jesus’ words: "For where two or three are gathered I my name, I there among them." Don't worry about the correct door to come in, or about keeping your kids quiet, or how to come up single file for Communion. Those things will take care of themselves. Simply know that you are loved.
Be open to the inhaling and exhaling of the Spirit of God. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer says,
"The church is her true self only when she exists for humanity."
Let’s have a good Rally Day!
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Revised: 09/14/08