Conference Minister's Corner 8.19.26

Conference Minister’s Corner

Conference Minister, Gordon Rankin, 8.19.26

This past Sunday, I told an old story as the invitation to gather for the Sacrament of Communion.

Sometimes as worship leaders, we end up needing to be multitaskers. This is definitely true when preparing for communion. Often, we are folding up napkins and removing covers while trying to sing along to the communion hymn. One’s focus can be split during these times. 

I remember this one time when we were singing “Let Us Break Bread Together." I was taking care of my other responsibilities while singing along: “Let us break bread together on our knees. Let us break bread together on our knees.” Here is the part where my focus became a bit distracted. “When I fall on my face, with my…” All of a sudden, I realized the mistake I made. At the same time, it also occurred to me if I am on my face, what part of me is facing the rising sun? I smirked a little at the thought and then tried to regain my composure so I didn’t make any more mistakes.

Friends, I think there is an important truth about communion in this story. God welcomes those who are on their knees, face raised to the heavens to praise God. But God’s welcome is also to those who have fallen on their faces with their back quarters being presented to the heavens. There are times for all of us when we are in both postures. But here is the important part: we are invited and welcomed and fed at God’s table no matter which posture we are in. God’s graces are not just for the perfect. They are for those who find themselves a bit distracted and for those who have taken a tumble. That’s how abundant the graces of God are. 

Gordon