Why I Appreciate Trinity #11: Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow

photo credit: Lori Panganiban

11. Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow

Some churches live in the past, some totally in the present, and some in the future. Beloved Trinity, we live in them all. Or, at least we have individual members that keep us tethered to each. We have a given DNA. We look to the past to discover our genetic code. We began by gathering around the Bible in homes. We received the sacramental ministry from visiting pastors. We made demographic decisions based on how to reach the most number of people effectively. Pastor Hoffman imparted an active evangelistic strain. Pastor Christenson taught us and introduced us to the Holy Spirit as a living person that brings personal, family, and congregational renewal. These, and every other God-given leader was respectful of the past, honoring father and mother in the faith, but brought something timely. We were planted out of a need for a particular witness to the gospel in a particular community. When the community shifted our mission shifted, but our message remained consistent. The need for contextualization was from the beginning. 

Nostalgia  anamnesis prolepsis  Amnesia

In the celebration of the Lord’s Supper there is a beautiful biblical paradox that holds together anamnesis (reactualization or remembrance) with prolepsis (anticipation of the coming kingdom).

The church that remembers without anticipating is nostalgic. Anticipating without remembering is amnesia.

A Church that neglects anamnesis (reactualization or remembrance) chooses amnesia or Alzheimer's and risks getting lost (identity, narrative, place). Jesus says, “This do in remembrance of me.”

A Church that neglects prolepsis (anticipation of eschatological reality) chooses nostalgia and risks losing hope. Paul says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11.26.

Beloved Trinity, I love how you tell stories of God’s mighty acts done throughout your 96 years. He has been good.

Beloved Trinity, I love how you dream of the future. Some of you can almost see God’s redemptive story unfolding in San Pedro, some of you see it unfolding in Northern Thailand or Zimbabwe or Tanzania or Albania. I love how you sang with all your might this last Sunday about Jesus, the hope of the saints. Our hope.