Apparently we Presbyterian-flavored Christians aren't all that ubiquitous around Maui, and definitely not in Wailuku. The UCC (always labeled as Congregational here), however, is rockin' it, so for World Communion Sunday, we walked half a mile to the Iao Congregational Church. Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the Pastor, who quickly asked a church member to welcome us properly. We received leis made of pink yarn ("Pink is the color of Maui") and were encouraged to sign the guest book. During the welcome time, we were made aware that more people usually attend, but that many members were either working at the food booth at the fair we attended on Saturday, or were recovering from having done so. Check out Renderings (Alan's blog) in the next few days for a reflection on why pastor types feel the need to apologize for attendance on any particular day.
As the worship service proceeded, it was clear that this was a congregation that values intergenerational connection and shared leadership. Other than the opening announcements (which was apparently assigned to an elder who slipped in a little late), the time of sharing thanksgivings and concerns, and presiding over the table, the pastor said very little. People of many different ages served as liturgists/readers as we heard Scripture, letters/reflections written by folks serving in the mission field, and prayers from all around the globe. God was most definitely worshipped in that sanctuary this morning. After worship, we were warmly invited to a time of fellowship that featured some of the best "after church fellowship time" food I've ever seen. We had a chance to meet a handful of people and explain our current journey, and everybody was supportive and encouraging. Simply put, on a day when Christians all over the world celebrate the Eucharist and most likely sing hymns about being one world family (In Christ there is no East or West, etc.), we experienced the body of Christ to be welcoming, challenging (some of the letters were intense), supportive, inspiring, and comforting. Thanks be to God.
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