Reflections for the Journey: Staying Connected
Author: Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis, Jr.
Betty and I have missed going to church. We miss attending in person Sunday school and congregational worship. We miss personal greetings, handshakes, and hugs from fellow members. We miss getting together with family and friends. We miss going to our favorite restaurants for a meal. The list goes on and on.
Because we were created as social beings, nothing takes the place of personal contact and conversation with others, so as a faith community it is imperative that we actively explore and participate in alternative ways to keep in touch. Our technological age is providing new ways of staying connected. Video conferencing, live streaming, zooming, and other media platforms have become valuable lifelines.
The Apostle Paul’s significant contributions to the formation of faith communities are reflected through his letters. His writings form two-thirds (13 letters)) of the New Testament scriptures. Mostly they were letters of encouragement, addressed specific faith questions, or provided further explanation about the uniqueness of the Christian faith. His letters helped the newly formed communities of faith understand who they were and what they were called to do as followers of Christ. He reminded them that though miles separated them, they were not alone. They were connected in faith and the spirit of the living Christ. They were charged with building up the community of faith and sharing the gospel — the good news of Jesus Christ. He reminded them that they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to faithfully witness in the challenging times they were experiencing. Paul was determined to stay connected with the new Christians to offer them advice and encouragement. His messages to them are also valid messages for today’s Christians.
As I thought of Paul’s letters written to the newly formed faith communities, and what we in may have in common with them, I thought of an old hymn. The hymn reminds us of how we are connected as Christians, even though we may be apart from one another. The hymn was written by John Fawcett in 1782 and was inspired by his seven years of ministry at a small country church before he accepted a call to a large church in London. Many of us know it “by heart.” “Blest Be the Tie that Binds,” expresses the bonds shared by all Christians. (See #557 UMH).
Staying connected to our faith community is possible even when we can’t see each other in person. During these days apart, let’s utilize all the possible ways to remember “the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” Make your prayer and contact list. Reach out to those you miss seeing, or those you know you need to check on. Let them know you’re thinking of them and praying for them. Doing so will be a blessing to others, and to you as well.
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Hymn: “Blest Be the Tie that Binds”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLb75pY5yM
About the Author:
The Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis has been a resident of the Richmond area for 30 years. He served on the Richmond District as senior pastor of Bon Air UMC, and Richmond District Superintendent prior to his retirement. Writing a devotional, “Reflections for the Journey,” is a part of his weekly disciplines.
