606

So today was my last sunday at Benton Mennonite Church, my home-at-college church. Its been quite a great place for me, and I've been realizing this summer just how much the people mean to me--and how very sad I will be to leave it behind. At least, as I promised several people today, I'll be back next August because some dear friends are getting married in Goshen then. As one last request from my Benton family (as if they haven't fed me, talked to me, given me rides, counseled me, prayed for me, and generally supported me enough already) I asked that we sing 606. I knew it would be not only my last Sunday there for a long time, but probably my last Sunday at a Mennonite church for about a year. [For those non-mennos out there, "606" is a 3-page long, 4-part harmony praise hymn elevated to quasi-holiness by our singing standards. And 606 is the number in the old Mennonite hymnal. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."] So instead of the planned benediction, the worship leader had everyone turn toward me (a little strange at first, but very powerful, and it sounded amazing) and sing. Most people didn't use the hymn books, even-- we all have it memorized. The bench beside me was vibrating from a few strong basses, and I could hear each part, beautifully swelling about each other. It may or may have made me cry a bit. Afterward so many people came up to me to hug me, kiss me, wish me luck, give me their blessing, wish God's blessing on me, thank me for requesting the song, because it was so beautiful and so much fun to sing and hear. Several elderly people gave me hugs and told me how much they've enjoyed having me come to Benton, even if they didn't speak with me often. I felt more love and more loved all at once than I have in a long time. We then had a good Sunday school and an fantastic Bolivian-food pot-luck congregational meal. It was the best last-Sunday that I could have hoped for. Like Emily (housemate, now in Denver) said... why am I leaving? ... I guess I am leaving because I have an amazing opportunity ahead of me, and because leaving one beautiful, amazing community does not mean that others do not await me in other times and places of life. But Benton, thank you for everything. I love you. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Amen.