Trees are remarkable creations. Their roots dig deep into whatever soil they find themselves inhabiting, seeking out water and nutrients, spreading far and wide to grab hold of Mother Earth to hold steady whatever weight they must bear. The trunks are solid and round, thickening with each year of life, showing the beautiful signs of age and experience, supplying support for new branches and buds while at the same time transferring resources up and down the tree. The branches reach skyward, ever expanding, ever seeking the light and warmth of the Sun. From the branches spring forth leaves, flowers, and seeds, each one bright, supple, and fruitful, all the while collecting nutrients from sunlight and air, constantly sharing its joy with the rest of the body.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12: 12-13)
Can you imagine the roots living without the trunk, or the leaves surviving without the branches? Each part of the tree, from the deepest root to very tip-top, is essential and interconnected. Aesop told a fable about a bunch of grapes boasting how far superior they were to the vine. How do you think that ended? We know, my friends, that each part is necessary for the whole to have life and to live into God’s abundance.
“Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as God chose.” (1 Cor. 12: 14-18)
Long have we admired and praised the Almighty for this creative blessing called a tree that points us to the nature and nurture of God. Long have we given thanks that a living entity as simple and solid as a tree provides beauty, air, food, shelter, and sustenance for so many of God’s creatures. Long have we borne witness that this significant congregation is much like one of God’s amazing trees.
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.” (1 Cor. 12: 27-31)
One of our gifts is that First Christian Church of Decatur is a six generation church. We may boast (in a humble sort of way!) that we are richly blessed to have Builders, Boomers, Busters (aka Generation Y), Bridgers (aka Generation X), plus teenagers and children whose eras are too new for a label (Generation Google?). Some of us were born over nine decades ago; one child among us made her earthly appearance in July. Some of us were dedicated, baptized, and married here. Some of us heard here a call from God to be servant leaders. Some of us uttered our first words in church. Today Madeline is almost three; her first word that we heard spoken aloud was in church during a Children’s Sermon. A microphone broadcast her sweet voice saying, “Amen!”
“God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Cor. 12: 24b-26)
People tend to gravitate to their own generation for social interaction and support. We often feel most comfortable with our own age group; we seek out our peers because we share a deep sense of commonality; we can relate. There is purpose and meaning in fostering such a network. However, life would be really, really dull if everyone was our own age. Are you like me, appreciating the moments when we find our self in situations where we encounter people gathered together who are in various stages of life? Where can you go today and feel both welcome and at home while rubbing shoulders with six generations? A family reunion comes to mind. A packed baseball stadium often has folks from one to ninety. How about First Christian Church of Decatur?!
“If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this.” (1 Cor. 12: 19-24)
One of the many fine fruits produced by this six generation church is a spiritual ethos of healing, helping, and hoping. First, members and friends find healing here, whether they are embraced in the community for a week or an eon. Further, we are helpers. Participants are connected to God and one another and sent forth to help, to make a difference in the world. Finally, we experience hope. This hope is from Christ above and within; it is grounded in knowing that here you are respected and recognized, called to serve, and empowered to do so. This hope is encouraged by the permission-giving practice we have worked so hard and faithfully to make real and alive, each member of the body cheering on one another. These are amazing fruits of the Spirit.
“…strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12: 31)
Like the stately trees around us that dig deep into the ground, establish trunks that hold steady the foundation, grow new branches that point to the light, and show off leaves that clap and wave for joy, we pray that this blessed congregation may continue to work and serve as One Body, Many Members, united in Christ, forever pointed toward the Light. Surely six generations united to serve is a more excellent way to be and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
As always, First Christian Church, I am delighted to be your pastor. Shalom, James L. Brewer-Calvert