Sunday morning, I slipped in as quietly as possible. I worshiped with our church family in person for the first time since my second surgery for colon cancer. About an hour before the service, I made the decision to go. Becky had been at church for nearly an hour already. She did not know I was coming.

I am deeply grateful for our livestream and online campus. However, they cannot compare to being present with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1, NLT)

Becky did not see me enter the sanctuary. She was playing the piano for the service. Later she told me, “I thought I was imagining hearing you sing.”

Wave after wave of emotion washed over me. As we sang, I wept tears of thankful joy.

During Communion, I kissed the bread that represents the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. I let the juice rest in my mouth for just a moment. I reminded myself of His blood shed for my sin. It was an almost overwhelming, sacred moment. Then I opened my eyes and greeted those around me with the peace of Christ.

Scripture reminds us again and again that we are the body of Christ—His hands, His feet, His voice of love. We are baptized into the body of Christ, not into isolation.

Pastor Mike came to our home to sit with me during my recovery. He left the pulpit and wrapped his arms around my neck. Soon, other brothers and sisters gathered to greet me. I joined in the prayers and in the giving of our tithes and offerings. I did so with a renewed appreciation for the ministry of Woodland. This church gives to those who worship with us, to our community, and to the world.

Becky left the piano and came to sit beside me. She leaned over and whispered, “We seldom get to sit together in church.”It was such a simple joy—and such a gift.

Pastor Mark’s sermon, as always, was excellent. Preaching from Scripture, he spoke on the unity of the body of Christ. His message was titled “Church of Steel.” Biblical preaching strengthens, nourishes, comforts, guides, revives, and convicts believers. It opens the eyes of those who are lost to their need for salvation. It reminds us that the Kingdom of God has come among us in Christ and is made visible through His people—the Church.

After the closing prayer, I was surrounded by hugs. A whole group of teenagers was hugging and laughing with me. There were single adults, couples, and widows. Men and women of faith who are friends. I sat for a while with one of my prayer partners. I prayed a prayer of faith for several people. The church family knows my story, and I know theirs.

The Church is not an idea. It is people—filled with the Spirit of Christ.

My mind had received the gift of livestream ministry. Yet, my heart longed for what can only be shared in person. These include songs sung together and prayers offered in agreement. The Word of the Lord heard and applied side by side with one another. The hugs and handshakes ground us in our shared life of faith.

When my son and I finally got into my Mustang after church, I sat quietly for a few moments before turning the key. I felt enriched, full of joy, and yet overwhelmed.

For weeks, I have faithfully watched online services. I have taken Communion, prayed, given, and sung along from home. But none of that can replace the grace of being physically present before the Lord with His Church.

Never take the gift of gathering together as the body of Christ for granted. Never take Woodland Church for granted.

Peace!