December 2017

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15 Dr. Richard C. Halverson (1916-1995), chaplain to the U.S. Senate, was credited in 1984 for a speech before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church: “In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next it moved to Europe where it became a culture, and, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise.” While I was reading a news article, this quote struck my mind. And it made me think about what does our church look like? Does it look like fellowship or philosophy or institution or culture or enterprise?

I think this not only shows the regional differences, but also shows different understandings of the church today. Some people think church is one of social meetings, so they come to church to meet many people. Some people think church is a place, helping people to experience some milestones in life, such as baptism, confirmation, wedding, and funeral, so they want church to provide some service according to their needs. Some people think church is a volunteer agency, so they ask for some help from the church. Some people think church is a family home, so they grow in church and live within the church.

As one of the people who loves church, my sincere hope for our churches is to restore the former image of the church, which is of a fellowship of people centering on the living Christ. When church lost its first image, it became just a building for a particular function. However, as we sing “I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we are the church together,” the church is not a building but a people.

Then how can we restore our church to its original image – a fellowship of people centering on the living Christ? “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” As we live together following the love of Christ Jesus by sharing our moments of life, yes! Surely we can restore our first image.

As I look back at this year, I am so grateful to God for our 4 churches. Especially, since we had many funerals this year. Losing a loved one is very difficult, bringing lots of tears, but as one body of Christ, all congregations took care of the deceased’s family and were committed to working together for the funeral service. Furthermore, this year we added 4 new babies in our parish. All congregations welcomed our new brothers and sisters in Christ with love and smiling faces. In addition, countless joys and concerns were shared in the church during the year. On all such occasions, we rejoiced together and we wept together, and most importantly we prayed altogether.

It is such an honor to serve God together with you. It is such a joy to be the church together with you. My best reason for Thanksgiving this year is you, our church! Thank you for being my church family and being church together with me. Let us keep trying to do our best to rebuild our church to be a true fellowship of people centering on the living Christ together.

Blessings, Pastor Ran Yoo