Collard greens and cornbread in a cast iron skillet; banana pudding and sweet potato pie tantalized our taste buds. It was a spread like none I had ever seen before in our Social Hall. But the real magic of the evening transcended the Soul Food Potluck Pop-Up.
Folks gathered. From the 5-month-old baby with plump cheeks the 85-year-old senior citizen with wrinkled brow. From Swope Parkway to Country Club. Black and White. Some of us knew the history of Juneteenth and others were just learning about this relatively new federal holiday. But what made it special was not the diversity. What made it holy was the spontaneous hugs between an 8-year-old and a 78-year-old; laughter and teasing between the members of the two congregations – Swope and Country Club. I noticed folks lingered and visited in a way we rarely have time for on Sunday mornings. I saw friends invite new friends to church. I went home feeling “filled up.”
Perhaps that is what is meant by the Holy Spirit. That presence of God that weaves us together. That mysterious wonder that binds us together across the boundaries made rigid in culture and society. A few years ago, Swope Parkway United Christian Church called and said they needed a place to meet on Sundays. We invited them to share our space, and it’s been a gift to both congregations. We didn’t know then what God had in store for us. But I’m incredibly grateful that we share not just space – but something of the infinite goodness of God. Something greater than one plus one is two. As the Psalmist sings, “How good it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity.”
Grace and Peace,
Carla
