This morning we headed to worship at Church of Christ, Union in Berea. Otherwise known as Union Church. I first became aware of Union Church shortly after I moved to Kentucky in January, 1985 as the Associate Minister of First Christian Church, Richmond, KY. Back in those days I was a frequent visitor to Berea. Berea College is a national gem, and a bright spot for aspiring students from low income families in Kentucky. Union Church sits on the edge of the Berea College campus and across the street from the Historic Boone Tavern. I won't spend a lot of time writing about Berea, but it has always been a magnet for me; it's crafts and woodwork, its Peace Goods store, the blending of hippie culture with Appalachia and simple living, a thread that runs through much of the community that we all ought live peaceably with one another.
We went to worship at Union Church because I have long wanted to worship at Union Church, but it is more appealing because my dear friends Jeff and Jennifer Melton attend church there. Jennifer met us at the door with her enthusiastic manner, and welcomed us inside. Jeff was not able to be with us because he was at a family reunion. Kelly had made contact with her handbell friend, Pearl, who also greeted us warmly and with enthusiasm.
Union Church has a unique and wonderful history. You can find their website here: Church of Christ, Union. There is an historical marker in front of the church with a historical snippet. Founded by the Rev. John G. Fee, Union Church stood as a bulwark against the chains of slavery when the country was embroiled in a passionate debate over whether Africans were people or property. Union Church's dedication to freedom and radical equality keeps its energy fresh to remove chains of restraint on any of God's children. They really mean it when they say all are welcome.
The sanctuary is expansive because of the clear glass in the arched windows, the high ceilings and the amount of lights. It is bright. It is open. It is delightful. The architecture is unique. Unlike any other church I have previously visited. The organ console and pipes are front and center in the balcony that wraps around the whole of the sanctuary. The organist and choir sit way above the congregation and in plain sight.
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| Once a month Communion by intinction is observed during worship. |
Gabe, the organist, who for a time was organist at First Presbyterian in Winchester, is leaving for New York City with his husband soon. Next week will be his last Sunday. Therefore, we expected we were in for a musical treat and he did not disappoint. His rambling fingers on the newly renovated grand piano and his peripatetic feet on the organ peddles produced rambling melodies that transfixed us for a time and transported us, through his music, to the realm of angels. He produced thunderous applause at the end of every bittersweet piece.
Pastor Kent had set up learning stations in the corners of the sanctuary, a way to make tactile the words he preached from John 6. He talked about all of us being ingredients in the loaf of bread God is making. None of us, he said, have all the ingredients. We need each other. But, we all add something to the loaf. The learning stations were flour, water, yeast. It was a fantastic sermon based on making pizza!
After worship we went across the street to Historic Boone Tavern and enjoyed good company with Jennifer and feasted upon a buffet of delights. Pot roast. Chicken. Mashed potatoes. Spoon Bread. And an apple cobbler to finish it off.
We headed home on old US 25 until we met the interstate in Richmond, near where I first lived in Kentucky. Rest for a while.
Late in the afternoon I began the long process of taking down our four board horse fence along the northwest side of the property -- with my chainsaw. The fence is in a terrible state of disrepair as was evidenced by the way my saw cut through the horizontal boards. They offered little resistance, and soon I had removed 40 feet of boards and two posts that fell over when the boards came away. It will take me days of chain, chain, chain, before I get to the end of this fence. It was hot, back-testing, sweat-mixed-with-wood-chips work. But, you can see a difference already. When it was in good shape the fence made a handsome border for the property, but time caught up with the fence. Economics keeps us from replacing it. Taking it down will make the property more appealing, but it does signal another end to things from Kelly's childhood. Each change at the house is always interesting for the one who grew up here with things being a certain way.
I am grateful for this day.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
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