Lebanon #9: Shared Experiences
Shared Experiences
Susan Henry, for the team
Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, Franklin, TN
Early this Sunday morning, our U.S. team climbed on the bus again to head north to worship and fellowship with Rev. Dr. Rola Sleiman and the congregation of the Tripoli church.
The service was led by Pastor Rola and our team was honored to be able to participate in the service, making this a true experience of the world community of Christ. The opening hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” was led by the Tripoli choir – Arabic and English rang through the church as we sang together. Since Pastor Toby was not feeling well, Rev. Dr. Lisa Culpepper beautifully provided Pastor Toby’s hope-themed sermon as Rev. Dr. Nuhad Tomeh translated it into Arabic for the congregation. Lisa reminded us that no matter who said the words, the message was God’s. During communion, Nuhad joined Pastor Rola to lead the communion service, and Marilyn Borst and I, both PC(USA) elders, helped serve communion alongside two of the Tripoli elders. Rev. Dr. Annette Brewer sent us back out into the world by providing the benediction.
This was a truly shared worship experience! And as an ordained PC(USA) elder, this was the first time I had served communion to a congregation not my own. Being able to personally serve elements of bread and wine to the people of this church and our own team was a clear reminder of the power of our shared experiences of God. Thanks be to God!
Our time together continued as we shared food and fellowship with the congregation. Along with many others, we were able to visit with two of the ladies who attended the Women’s Conference with us last week. We were also given presents from the church including a beaded bracelet made with the help of one of the children of the church!
We finished our time together with Pastor Rola and a few of the families of the church over a wonderful lunch with lots of great Lebanese food, wonderful conversations, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean!
As we headed back to the bus with full hearts and full bellies, I thought once again of the sermon message and the quote from the Emily Dickinson poem, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”
