I'm a church fan

I'm one of those geeky people who look up the meanings of any word I am discussing.

Today, the topic is "church." Here are two sources discussing "ecclesia," a Greek word often translated church. 

Ecclesia, Greek Ekklēsia, (“gathering of those summoned”), in ancient Greece, assembly of citizens in a city-state. (Brittanica) 

Ecclesia - a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church. (Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionaries)

I've got tons to say about the church, but today I'm going to limit myself to 5 minutes, and leave the rest for another day:

I'm a church fan. I always have been.

In my earliest days, I was carried into the church building to be held on my mother's lap during preaching. All these years later, I end my work day by locking up the church and setting the alarm. Every week in between babyhood and now, I've been at the church, either worshiping or working.

My family at our home church

My earliest memory is of learning the song, "Behold, Behold, I stand at the door and knock, knock, knock" in children's church in the basement of our church. We would turn around and knock on the metal folding chairs and sing loudly at the top of our voices.

I even saw my husband for the first time at the church. 

But although my life might revolve around a building, I totally realize the church is not a building; it's just where I go to "see" the church. The church is the people.

Co Co Rona 2020 made such an impact on me since I've not been able to see my people. Oh, yeah, after some weeks, we re-opened in a careful, social-distancing way; but it's not the same, talking through masks and not hugging.

Here's the thing: I can't let my love of church and all the rhythms and practices of church life be greater than my love for the Master. Even when I have to worship online, I can still nestle at His feet and learn from Him. Sometimes ... you get more out of solitude and listening then you do in a crowd of people.

Yes, I'm a church fan, but I'm even more a fan of my friend Jesus.

~~~

I'm linking this post to Five Minute Friday, a group of writers who challenge each other to put their thinking caps on and write for 5 minutes on a one word prompt. Today's prompt is "church."

I'm also linking to the communities at Grace&Truth and Inspire Me Monday

#TellHisStory

#InstaEncouragements Link-Ups

Recharge Wednesday

#TuneInThursday

Let's Have Coffee

~~~

Hey, I love it that you dropped by! It would be an honor if you would subscribe to receive my posts by email. Just enter your email in the box labeled, "Follow By Email," just above my profile in the right hand column.

Also, you can find me at Instagram under jerralea

Check out recent top 5 posts at the Journey:

Praise Post #11

What if? Revisited

Bright and Early

Simple Woman's Daybook-3/2/09

Praise Post #26