the front

Sitting on the literal front row at Central has been my thing since becoming a member. While writing for “Front Row Central” has become a way for myself and others to talk and write more fully about the uniqueness of this church community, it is also a real spot in the sanctuary, one that seems to take on a life of its own. There is something about being right there, in the middle of the movement and energy, that has always felt like the right place for me to be.

At Central, the front-row action is palpable. I’m close to the pastors and the pulpit, the band and choir, the ushers, the life-sized flowers, and more. It’s my own little world, with what feels like an unrestricted view.

Possibly the best part about being up front is communion.

There is holiness in the moment as everyone moves reverently forward in anticipation of a glimpse of the divine. On a hot Sunday morning, it is a chance to physically connect with the body and blood of Christ. From the front, I get to experience that movement up close, one person after another, each coming to the table. It is a view I treasure.

As happy and honored as I am to be on the front row, today in his sermon Michael threw out a challenge: Sit in the back of the church for a change, he said, and see all the wonderful activity of the entire congregation.

I have to admit, there is a lot I miss from my limited viewpoint up front. Maybe seeing clearly sometimes requires changing where we sit.

Challenge accepted, Pastor Michael.

See you on the back row soon!