Day Nine Of Christmas--Pray That All God's People May Share At One Table

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Over the years, I've experienced tons of grief over all of the church divisions I've witnessed. Why can't good people of faith just work things out and stay together?

But I'm even more concerned about how church splits among Christians are affecting their being able to share in the Lord's Supper.

When I've asked members of groups who are leaving MCUSA or Virginia Mennonite Conference whether I and other former fellow-members can still join them for their communion services, most quite willingly say, "Of course". After all, we are still fellow believers and in many cases long time friends.

But as a practical matter, we hardly ever get together for  communion after a church division. We are far more likely to remain "excommunicated" indefinitely.

If by chance we did show up at a departing church's worship service when the bread and cup of the Eucharist were being served, wouldn't it be more consistent for them to actually turn us away?

After all, if we can't be seen as worthy enough to do church business together, to engage in mission together, or to meet for regular sessions at a common table of discernment (such as at Conference Assemblies) how could we be considered worthy to partake at the Lord's holy table?

So here are my basic questions:

Whose church is it, anyway? 

Who would God welcome to intimate communion fellowship? 

Who will be invited to the forever banquet table? 

I know the Jesus says that the road to life is narrow, and only a relative few will find it. But the Bible also promises that in the end there will be "a great multitude that no one can count, from every tribe, people and language, standing before the throne... wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands."

Maybe the Lord's table is ultimately much larger and more welcoming than we have imagined.