It’s also important that we are not simply “greeting” each other, but literally sharing the peace of Christ. At the point in the service in which it happens, we have just approached God together, asking for forgiveness, and we are literally “the forgiven and reconciled people of God.” The idea of the timing is to celebrate the peace that we have been given through Christ, and also to emphasize that we trust in reconciliation with each other, too, and not just God. Such reconciliation and such peace between the members is important for the health of the body.

A final note: I do not get up to speak to individual people in that moment for two reasons. First, it would be very awkward if I, as the pastor, greeted only a few people, and others felt “left out.” (Although I’m very happy to share the peace of Christ with you if you come forward!) And second, it allows me a moment to pause and catch my breath before continuing with the service. As you know, I am slowly recovering from long Covid, but two services is still a lot for me, so I ask for your grace in that moment.

It is my hope that this letter helps to explain theologically why the passing of the peace is an important part of the service. When our recent piano sub, Fabio, came to the service, he looked out into the congregation while you were passing the peace, and he said, “It’s so beautiful!”

I’ll see you in church,

Becky

Prayer

Holy God, we thank you for this fellowship of your believers. You knew that we would be better off as a body than as separate individuals, all going in our own directions. Teach us to respect the honor of the call to be a body together—that you include us in your ministry to our fellow human beings. Teach us to respond to the call, to love and to serve each other, and to see each other with your eyes. In the name of the one who brought us together, Amen.