season of lasts

With only 10 days left here in NYC, we are in the mindset of “lasts”; last time to do this or that, last time to see this or that person.

This past Sunday was my last time to fulfill two tasks that have become very important to me. The first task was to lead singing during worship. I can remember a couple years ago feeling the Spirit nudging me to step up and take on the role of ‘song leader’. I fought that nudging for a long time as I felt too raw from Ira’s situation and did not want to be leading in any fashion.

But, in time, I accepted this role and for the past two years I have been privileged to be in charge of planning and leading the songs during our worship time together at Christ’s Church for Brooklyn. Those at CCFB have been patient with my mess-ups and start-overs and have never complained about singing a particular song too often or not enough. I am grateful for the safe environment they provided for me to do something I love.

The second task I was able to fulfill was to lead the church in the meditation preceding communion. Taking the Lord’s Supper, or communion, together as a whole group on a weekly basis is an important part of our church tradition. However, in many churches of different types I would not have been able to fulfill this role. My gender or the fact that I have not been ordained could have kept me from being able to do what I did this past Sunday. I am so thankful to have been a part of two communities of faith, first at Manhattan Church of Christ, and then at CCFB, where I have been able to fully participate in these two ways.

I don’t know when I will be able to use my gifts again like this.