Word of Hope

Finding Church Outside of Church

     Have you ever left a place and thought, “I think I was just in church even though I was not in my church?”  Walking to the Louisville Palace with Bernie this past Friday night to see Gladys Knight, or as she is sometimes referred to, the "Empress of Soul." was such a night. Upon walking down 4^th Street approaching the theater, we could clearly see that we were not a part of the majority population. Being way under dressed compared to most and of the minority race was obvious. As we moved closer the atmosphere was electrified with excitement and welcome.  The air breathed seemed to say, "we are all here for something memorable", and we were bonded instantly by this shared joy.

     It was a little while before the show began.  Gretchen, my immediate friend sitting beside me began to ask me about my life and commenced sharing some of hers...  After hearing that Bernie and I had both gone to the University of Louisville, realizing this common thread, she related that she had worked in housekeeping there for 26 years.  Before that she had been in New York, and related a few fun stories of her time there.

The lights went down and comedian Spike Davis entered the stage.  He asked that the lights be turned back on to reveal the audience.  Once revealed he said, "wow, isn't this great, so much diversity joined together for something special," followed by much applause.  Per his instructions, all who were Asian stood up, then whites, followed by Hispanics, blacks and Latinos. Spontaneous applause erupted after each group stood.  One woman, a Native American let him know that she had been left out.  She stood and all applauded.  When the comedy routine began there were quite a few mentions of his faith.  He said that Jesus was always with him - when he comes out on stage and then when he goes back out through the curtain.  He had come to know the gift of laughter at a young age and felt a call to bring that alive for people.

     Gladys then came on stage belting Gospels from her new album.  She said that she counts on being guided by the spirit on and off stage and her faith was the most important aspect of her life.  The reason for her being known as the Empress of Soul became apparent.  Between Spike, Gladys and Gretchen, I was experiencing more than a concert.  There was a soul touching between all.

     Throughout the show my new friend shared her binoculars and snack with me.  In this sharing we were somehow bonded.  We had truly communed through word, song, life and food.  I felt a twinge of sadness leaving her knowing that our paths may never cross again.  I however knew that I had been touched by something more and was left with a gift that I needed to live.

     Had I been to church?  I believe so.  I grew up learning that the church was not a building but the people.  Being in the minority, I never felt shunned, but was embraced in this communion of excitement, diversity, welcome, and joy.

     Is there a lesson in this experience for us?  There certainly was for me.  My prayer is that Christ Church Cathedral continue to live into being the church as I experienced the church at the concert.  May we see past clothing and anything else exterior and welcome all into communion with the body of Christ.