Day 21, Sanctuary – John Northrip
I spent some time by myself on a recent afternoon in the Sanctuary at St. Mark, the only light coming through our extraordinary stained glass and the trinity of windows high in the soaring ceiling. I prayed with gratitude for this sacred space, and then in the stillness let my memory wander through all that I have witnessed and been part of here over the years, the worship and celebration, the joyful noise and profound silence, the rejoicing in God's Love, and the comfort in times of sorrow. But, as I looked around, I realized that something was missing, and then remembered a rhyme and finger game I learned as a child, and after a couple of tries was able to actually do a decent job of performing –
This is my church
This is its steeple
Open the doors
And see all the people!
Though this beautiful space may be a source of inspiration in the stillness, it is here because of the people who built it, who have maintained it, and who have used it to glorify God, so that we may all enjoy God's Love forever.
“For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11, NRVSU.)
“Holy God, I give you thanks for all the saints who planned, built, maintained, and grew this community of faith. Help me to be a good steward of this gift for today and tomorrow. Amen.”
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