Ahhh!!! House Church

You rush out the door at 5:55 pm with your cassarolle dish, covered with a sheet of foil that you borrowed from your next door neighbor, because you neglected to pick up a box of foil at the store.  As you drive the two blocks to your destination, you pray that you don't hit any bumps.  You arrive without incident.  As you head toward the kitchen door, Oscar is barking happily in the window of the stairwell, glad to see you.  You hope you don't trip going up the steps and spill sausage and peppers on Mike and Sharon's back-porch.  As you enter the house, you are greeted by your church family, as the aroma of potato soup and chicken fills your nostrils.  Sherrie aka "nurse Rached" is here tonight taking everyone's blood pressure as they come in.  We laugh and talk as we await the arrival of the rest.  Then we pray, and gather around the family table.  The conversation is lively and diverse.  Mike and Bill discuss classic cars.  Some of the women talk about Reality TV.  I listen to the conversation and laughter and throw in my 2 cents worth from time to time. 

Following dinner, we adjorn to the living room as we enter the next phase of our time together.  Tonight the topic for conversation is being a "missional" church and the difference between being "missional" and simply being a church which supports "missions".  As usual, The Holy Spirit guides our discussion, as people share their thoughts and their experiences.  The time goes by quickly.  Before we know it, we are 15 minutes past our proposed ending time of 8:00.  That is ok though, as we love this time together.  We pray, and gather our now empty dishes, and say good-by, until the next time we gather.  As I drive away, my heart is filled with peace and gratitude.  I thank God for my house church family.  House church is like a healing balm, in the midst of my hectic week.  I love it.

If you have ever considered becoming part of a house church, I encourage you to toss your inhibitions, and give it a try.  I promise you will be blessed.

 

Comments

[Katie]

I knew this was your writing as soon as I read the first sentence. Your style is just like mine--unique. That's what my teachers call it.
I also knew it was you because who else would stress about being late, for you are never late to any event in your life.
I'm glad you have found a church body that has fun like you guys do. I see the growth even though I was opposed to your church at first. I am seeing great growth, and it makes me proud to know that my dad has had a part in this body of believers. :)

[Des]

Hey Katie, I appreciate your comments. You know that I am kind of tender-hearted. I came close to getting moist eyes when I read them.

You are right of course, concerning the first part. I would rather be 20 minutes early than 5 minutes late. LOL. I am so very proud of you too and the way you have taken "ownership" of your faith. It is your faith now, and not your mom and dad's. Love you.

[amy]

i had to swallow my tears. it is so beautiful the way that your love shows for each other.

[chris]

Nice, concise, description of the evening Des.

Opposed???? You mean there were people opposed to the start of Oasis????!!!! TIC ;)

[Des]

Yes, I know... Hard to believe anyone was ever opposed to Oasis!!!! LOL...

[Sherrie]

What a touching moment between parent and child. How proud I am in a family of spirital guided people. Just wait and see what Nurse Rachet has for you next week, Des. LOL

[Des]

Oh no Sherrie, what's in store for next week? A free prostate screening? Maybe I had better go to Jim and Julie's house church instead!!!!

[Peg]

How could anybody not enjoy house church? Not only enjoy but grow in the love of God, laugh, learn to love and a GAzillion other things. And lest we forget, those neat chats around the dinner table. A person can't help but be lifted up and refreshed. What a family, What a family!!!!!!!!!!