An international congregation is like other congregations in many ways, but unlike them in others. Most importantly, we preach the Word and administer the sacraments just like any congregation. Last week one of our members told me how much she has appreciated my sermons the last several weeks. There is nothing we do that is more important than proclaiming the Word of God’s love in Jesus Christ our Lord. I was pleased that she has heard a “good word.” On the other hand, our congregation is unlike most congregations in that our people come from any number of denominational backgrounds. We have Lutherans, Dutch Reformed, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Egyptian Copts, and more from at least six or eight different countries. We all come from different faith-and-worship traditions. Some baptize infants; some do not. Some have a very realistic understanding of Holy Communion; others more symbolic. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is in our repertoire of hymns. Many know and love hymns that are totally unfamiliar to me, and many of my Lutheran standards are unknown to others. Choosing hymns has been the most difficult task of my ministry so far. I suppose I really ought to be thankful – many things could be worse! Perhaps the most important ministry of an international congregation is that it gives people a chance to gather with others around a common language – even if that is a second language for many. Last week we had an English visitor who lives about ninety minutes out of the city in a small Lithuanian village. Almost no one there speaks English. He spoke to Diane for some time, then to me. Later he apologized, saying, “I suppose I am talking too much, but it just feels good to speak English with someone.” We knew how he felt, having experienced the same thing in Africa many years ago. I remember yet how comfortable we felt when some of our British friends would stop by for an afternoon coffee. Somehow we could relax in a way that wasn’t possible at others times. We didn’t have to “work” at hearing and understanding our conversations! Our congregation, like most international congregations, is a haven for people living in an alien environment. This does not mean that our people don’t appreciate their adopted country. On the contrary, nearly all are here because they want to be, and care deeply about this country. Nevertheless, from time to time it is both relaxing and refreshing to be with people who share a common language and background – even though there are vast differences among us. Week by week we have new visitors who come and go. They may be in the country for only a few days. Others are here for months or years. But the congregation is always changing. This is why it is so very important that we are committed to an extended stay here in Vilnius. After the Gospel itself, stability may be the greatest need of all.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 11:40:16 +0000
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