Community

In the summer, we attend an Episcopal Church on the North Fork of Long Island.  Yesterday the attendance was 30, usual and expected for this chapel sized church building.  The feeling of community in this congregation was much bigger.  Perhaps its because I have spent years listening for the heart beat of congregations that I hear the emotional tone when I worship.  However, I think I hear what everyone hears and the difference the years make is the practice to describing the sounds.

What did I 'hear' that spoke of community?  First, the teenager and the 50 something who greeted us at the door.  Once inside the door, the worshipper is inside the church so the usher's readiness to smile, to welcome, and to hand us a bulletin made all the difference.  Second, the congregation was settled, quiet, ready to pray and ready to worship.  The beginning of worship was not social time among friends, which clearly those outside the community would not have a part.  Instead, the preparation for worship created the time and space to place oneself in this community to share an experience of God.  Third, the congregation was smiling.  They liked being part of this community.  Fourth, everyone sang the hymns, and not all of them were old favorites.  Fifth, the sermon was well prepared, biblically focused, and practical.  The priest clearly spent time to prepare.  While some would say, 'its OK to slide in a few thrown together thoughts in the summer' this clergy person spoke to the most important 30 people in his week. Sixth, the  congregation prayed for people other than themselves. Seventh, people greeted us at the sharing of the peace and after worship.  Eighth, when the need for volunteers at the food pantry was announced I thought, "I could do that" because I knew I would be welcomed. I could go on.

The sounds of community came from those gathered to worship.  The size of the congregation did not make it less friendly or more friendly.  It was inviting, intentional, and joyous all at the same time. The community felt 'bigger' because the community was open, open to God and open to everyone present.

Those who care about congregations spend a lot of time managing the impact of congregational size. Yes, each congregation will fall within a range that creates networks of relationships and certain dynamics.  But community does not flow from congregational size.  A small congregation can be cold and a large congregation can be warm.  A large community can focus only on itself and a small community can serve God in the world.  A small community or a large community can be sloppy or intentional, welcoming or diffident, nervous or joyful, closed or open.  Community flows from the open hearts of those gathered to worship God.  We all hear community when we listen.