Today was supposed to be our first worship service at The Dwelling.
We had banners made to mark the invitation to the holy space.
We crafted a refrain that would become our Absolution.
We had members of our community eager to proclaim scripture, read self-written poetry, and share their gifts of music.
But then the world stopped turning in the ways we’ve become accustomed to. And we all paused.
The Dwelling paused.
Paused on what we thought church was going to look like. But in our pause, we were invited into a place in the margins that was unanticipated yet faithful to the heart of this church that God is crafting and refining.
Showers. Food. Prayer.
Today The Dwelling “gathered”.
We gathered to eat. Because hunger and food insecurity doesn’t play by the rules of Covid-19’s game. And the church has always stepped into the critical places of our world. As we packed “to-go” plates full of fried chicken, egg casserole, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, ham, cupcakes, and more we worshiped in our own way.
We exchanged Easter greetings.
We shared a blessing before the feast.
We heard familiar lines, “that saved a wretch like me,” break out as we waited for our turn (spaced 6ft apart) to fill our plates.
Over 100 people ate today.
People we’ve known for a long time.
People seen for the first time today.
People living in tents.
People living in income-based housing who haven’t had a full meal in days.
And we gave out flowers that pointed to the beauty that remains all around us, complete with resurrection words of hope tied to the stems.
And masks.
We gave out masks. Because we’re socially responsible like that.
He is risen, indeed.
thedwellingsws.org (Thank you to Claire at The Porch restaurant who catered our meal free of charge as their Easter offering to their neighbors!)