Reflections on Home

Christiane and I have been searching for a more permanent house for a while. After renting a small apartment in downtown Detroit, we may finally be able to take our things out of a storage, where they have been sitting since we moved here over a year ago. This means, however, we are facing a third move since relocating to the Detroit area. 

One thing we have learned though this to focus on what makes a home. The house may change, furniture and decoration may not look the same, but it is the health of our relationship that makes our home a place of rest, joy, and love. No matter where we are.

I feel the same way about our worship together on Sundays.  

Every week, portions of our Sanctuary continue to be renovated and the house is still a bit messy.  Currently, all the pews still remain at a warehouse offsite being refinished, thankfully keeping the fumes away. While one crew works offsite, another crew is renovating the Sacristy, the room where Altar Guild prepares the elements for Eucharist.  Because our sound system amp is located this room, we won’t have amplified sound this week. There is dust, there is inconvenience, and yet we still come to worship.  

As I watch you come into the Sanctuary and sit on uncomfortable folding chairs, I’m grateful that it’s not our historic building and its furnishings that bring us together, but our faith and love for God and one another. Even though the house is in disarray, we can still be at home.  It’s a bit uncomfortable and the forms of worship are a little different, but it is still the place where we come together to celebrate the One who has made us a family in Him.

No matter where we go or what circumstances we find ourselves, God’s presence is there.  And, it is our relationship with our Triune God that creates a place of rest, joy and love for us. Wherever we find his presence, we can find home.  

The Psalmist says:

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”

Psalm 139:7-8 ESV

Even when our personal lives go through a period of uncomfortable and jarring renovations: lost job; divorce; health issues; strained relationships… As believers, we can take comfort that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is there. No matter how difficult or stressful your circumstance might be, your relationship with Him can provide a home, a safe haven for you. You can rest in Him, emotionally and spiritually, even when your body still needs to move and accomplish things, or is weak and in pain. 

Come home. Stay in His Presence. Turn your heart and mind towards Him. He is the One who can give you Peace beyond comprehension. His loving arms can hold you through uncertainty and hardship.  

As we continue to grow in our faith and love for God, we can also grow in relationship with one another. Being able to lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ, gives us a bigger sense of home. We pray that regardless of forms of worship and ‘house’ looks, we can always feel at home when coming together in Christ.

We want to speak to those who are going through a move or a renovation in your own ‘house’ right now.  Dust and debris may be laying all around you. Boxes packed and uncertainty lying ahead. You can still find rest in Him. He is our unshakeable, unchanged Home. 

Consider these familiar words, and ask Him to speak specifically to your situation:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Todd and Dr. Christiane