One of my favorite memories of Tammie was when the church was using mandated medical masks as a COVID-19 precaution, and when I showed up to the church with a box of masks Tammie informed me that she would personally sit by the door to hand everyone a mask.
Angela* approached me during the worship service on Sunday morning. We had been taking steps that previous week to make her plan a reality. When I saw her walking towards me, I knew what she was going to ask. “Were you able to get me a bus pass?” “Yes,” I said. “The bus leaves this afternoon. You’re going home”, I told her. Tears welled up her eyes and she gave me a big hug as she said, “I’m going home!”
Joseph could have experienced his suffering as distance from God, but Joesph’s struggle and pain seem to make God’s presence in his life much more clear. Why would that be?
To “Reconcile” is to make-right, and “Reconciler” is a name for Jesus, who makes people right with each other and with God. So when we call ourselves “Church of the Reconciler,” we’re not saying that we are so good at reconciling, but that we are following Jesus, the Reconciler of all people and situations.
I’ve received this gift of encountering Jesus through serving at Church of the Reconciler. Sometimes I hear Jesus speak through a joyful expression spoken in the midst of unimaginably difficult circumstances or a prayer that’s shaped by the sort of faith that moves mountains. I’ve seen Jesus through hands raised in worship, surrendered fully to God and smiling because, despite everything, hope persists. I’ve witnessed Jesus through listening to the hard won wisdom of my brothers and sisters facing homelessness or poverty. I’ve met Jesus through shared meals, laughter, and tears.
