Reflecting on World Conference: God Be With Us ‘til We Meet Again
By Vera Entwistle, Eugene, OR, USA
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. —Matthew 18:20 NRSV
I feel World Conference was not that long ago—when we said goodbye with hugs and tears and sadness and promises to stay in touch. And now, wonder of wonders, we have traversed half a world, the Earth has turned many times, and ta da! We will soon meet again.
Within minutes the years have vanished and it is as if we had never parted. No awkwardness. No uncomfortable silences; only a feeling of loving and being loved. What a reunion!
I know I have experienced this with you, too, God. At times I have moved away from your presence only to find that when I see you again, really see you, it is as if we have never parted, and I feel loved and loving.
I can hardly wait to hear the whole conference singing:
Redeemer of Israel, our only delight,
on whom for a blessing we call,
our shadow by day and our pillar by night,
our King, our Companion, our All!
— “Redeemer of Israel,” W. W. Phelps, Community of Christ Sings 388
Prayer for Peace
Holy Companion, as we prepare for World Conference, we call on you for a blessing. We look toward not only deliberating with our brothers and sisters, but singing, worshiping, talking, hugging, praying, crying, and sharing peace together.
Spiritual Practice: Continuing Revelation
One Enduring Principle of Community of Christ is Continuing Revelation. We are a people always “becoming,” always changing as God shapes us. In prayer, listen deeply to the name “Community of Christ.” Write or say a prayer asking God to continue to form us through our name. Listen deeply to what it would mean to live in community, following and sharing the way of Christ.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will pray for a reconciling spirit at World Conference.
