In the middle of weighty decisions we’ve made as a church in recent weeks, and big celebrations and baptisms and All Saints Day that have consumed lots of energy, I’m proud of the way this church showed up for trick or treat last Friday.
I don’t mean the trick or treating that happened in your neighborhoods—as important as that is! I hope you had the porch light on, and gave fun treats, or Ramen noodles, or even raw potatoes (which I didn’t realize was a thing!) to the smallish costumed folks that came to your door.
I mean the way you showed up at MY house. Simply because I invited you, as a surprise for my husband Dan. Halloween is his birthday, and when I said, “Won’t you drop by for a quick bit of candy and offer him greetings, and maybe a card or a hug?” a lot of you said, “I’m in!”
We had almost as many grown-up birthday treaters at our house—2/3 of which were from Collegiate/Wesley!—as we did young ghouls and goblins. We counted more than 120 people that came to our door, and it was a joy every time. Dan weathered the surprise (once he caught on!) with appreciation, and a good time was had by all.
I talked a few weeks ago about the church being the church. I think about this more often than you know. We’re being the church when we make big decisions as a body, and then continue peacefully together in the wake of some sharply held disagreements. We’re being the church when we lavishly and intentionally celebrate milestones of events that have shaped us. We’re the church all the time—when we serve at Food @ First, and on Wednesday evening suppers, and as we make music together, and teach and learn together, and so much more. We’re the church when we show up for one another’s funerals, and pray, and care.
And: Sometimes being the church looks like a succession of loving people showing up at the parsonage for a few moments of joy with the pastor and her husband. I just want to notice and celebrate that fact, that along with everything else we are together, we’re a church that can trick or treat.
Many thanks to you all, whether or not it worked for you to join in.
