In 1749, Charles Wesley penned the words to what would become a hymn for Methodism worldwide. The words “And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace!” (UM Hymnal, p. 553, United Methodist Publishing House, 1989). These words formed the opening verse of a hymn that has begun countless Annual Conference gatherings across the years. They speak of the joyous reunion of Christians who have been apart. Gathering once again is a cause for celebration and praise to Jesus Christ for the almighty grace that has not only saved each one, but has called each into communion with one another in The Church.
It is a welcome sound to my ears when this hymn is sung. I see the friends and colleagues across the Annual Conference in my mind’s eye, but I also see the friendly faces of those who gather in the Congregation each week. Some have asked me why I seem to scan the congregation each Sunday morning during worship. (Some have accused me of that obsessive-compulsive behavior known to many pastors as “counting sheep,” but that’s not really what is happening.) In truth, I’m thanking God for each and every face that I see in worship. I’m scanning for those that I know, and for the new faces that I see. I scan the pews especially looking for those who I know are going through some difficult times, and for them worship is that familiar and safe touchstone in an otherwise difficult life. “What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!” (verse 3).
When I look out over the congregation on Sunday mornings, I’m saying a little prayer for those that I don’t see – their favorite pews are empty because of being away, or for some other reason. I wonder what has kept them from partaking in the richness of the family of faith that binds us together. I pray that their faith will be able to sustain them until they are able to once again return to this holy gathering, and feel the true presence of people who care for them deeply with a Christ-like love.
Ironically, I have never understood how some believe that being away from or separating themselves from the community of believers makes them a stronger Christian. Francis Asbury found it virtually impossible for anyone to call themselves a Christian and be apart from the Body of Christ, from the Class Meetings that helped to shape and kindle discipleship within the soul. Truly, John Wesley himself found this to be the only antidote to condemnation – the gathering of the saints to care for each other’s souls. Wesley found it imperative to meet regularly and consistently in the community of believers in order to sustain the faith and strengthen the believer.
“And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face?” It is a great question. Well, are we? If so, then the rest of that verse will make all the sense in the world: “Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace!”
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
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