First Baptist Church of Herndon

Joy in this Place

Linda Soller | Jun 21, 2021

I have long been a proponent of joy at church. It’s true, faith can really grow and strengthen in the face of adversity and pain, but I believe the faith we have has the power to bring each of us joy. While our church has its share of sorrow and angst, it’s also a place full of smiles, laughter, and the joy we share through our faith in God. Joy is one of my favorite things about FBC.

It was the second Sunday of our expanded attendance for service. Smiles were everywhere and the joy palpable as we watched our oldest member (101 years old) down to one of our youngest enter the sanctuary. Three of us sat in the choir loft to lead the “reduced volume” singing. Right after the first song we sat down and a cicada lighted on my shoulder from somewhere up above. Did you really think I would leave out cicadas? The service was being streamed live, and I am proud to say I didn’t scream or squeal! What I did was flick that cicada off so fast it would make your head spin. He was recovering on the carpet in front of our feet when he started his slow march away from us and toward the pulpit. We sat there relieved he went the other way and feeling guilty that he was headed toward Pastor Sean. What could we do to stop his forward motion without interfering with the service? Nothing, we did nothing but cringe each time he headed toward the pulpit.  At one point it looked like he might wander to a remote corner but no, he turned his beady eyes and headed back to the front. Soon Pastor Sean came up to sit briefly in the choir loft and spied the cicada. He struggled with the same decision we had faced. None of us were laughing, but nervous laughter was right there in our throats. With a swoop down, quick pick up (bare handed – yuk!) and a quick toss to the stairwell Pastor Sean removed the cicada. Smiles all around the loft. Moments later the cicada was mentioned as just one of God’s creatures in attendance. Laughter and relief followed. I am pretty sure God chuckled. I am convinced He loves to see the joy in this place.

See you in church! :o)