CBF

Thomas and I went to CBF assembly and a family reunion last week. I like a lot of things about the assembly. I enjoyed the combination of different types of music (choir, contemporary, jazz, varied instruments, etc) and the use of different forms of art such as dance and sign language. I also loved the inclusive feel of age and gender along with the representatives from the world who joined in the worship. It felt so very open and loving that it inspires me to see the local church reflect that diversity.
I think my favorite speaker was Chuck Poole (a pastor from Mississippi I think). He gave short little monologues at each service about what it means to build bridges. My favorite story was when he told of taking food and water to group of people who were homeless and staying in an abandoned house. He said one the men wanted to know what church he was from. Chuck pointed out that this man understood church by what the church is!!
How often do we lose that focus. I was touched, because I knew that this wasn't an empty illustration. I have meet those who also identify church by the actions of people both good and bad. I'm sure we all have.
The family reunion was good. We made Thomas's grandmother very happy by being there for her and that made even the drive the Mississippi worth it!