Friendships Renewed on Reunion Sunday

Emmanuel Community Church celebrated “Reunion Sunday” this September 8, welcoming back those of our fellowship who have been away for the summer. Along with those returnees, we were delighted to welcome a number of former members, who had an opportunity to listen to Pastor Laura’s powerful preaching and story-telling. Laura’s message included a deeply meaningful re-membering baptism, as we were invited to come past the baptismal font and receive anointing — with oil of lemon-grass, chosen particularly for its symbolism of openness to God’s love, gifting, and leading. The service also included commissioning for our new class of Stephen Ministers, who were blessed by the presence of Elsie Sturm, one of our original Stephen Leaders. Elsie stood with the new ministers and along with the current Stephen Leader Pamela Mclean, laid hands on them when Pastor Laura pronounced the church’s blessing on them.

This was our second annual celebration of reconnecting. Following the service we hosted our guests to a fellowship meal in the good Lutheran tradition of covered-dish dinners; but with a new diversity of foods, as alongside the macaroni-and-cheese and potato salads we also enjoyed middle-eastern dolmades and Indian samosas. Old friendships were renewed as current members and visitors mingled around the table and conversation filled the foyer.

There will definitely be a third annual Reunion — whether at Emmanuel or in Heaven! Until then, we will be reaching out to our broad-flung extended church family to join us on ANY Sunday, and particularly at the various special worship services that happen throughout the year. The next special worship service will be Michaelmas on September 29 which, being the fifth Sunday of the month, will be a Hymns and Lessons service.