Editor's note: This is an update from one of the 10 Connecticut Conference delegates currently visiting the Republic of Korea (PROK). They are marking the 24th year of the partnership between the Conference and the Gyeonggi Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Korea.
On this Sabbath our delegation gathered in worship at churches in and around Seoul. Four members of our delegation: Lauren Lorincz, Shelly Stackhouse, Kent Siladi and I preached the Word. Members of the CTUCC Delegation offering music during opening worship at the Annual Meeting of the Gyeonggi Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Korea.
I preached at Dongbu Sunlin Church (meaning: East Good Neighbor Church) in Hanam City, the partner Church of Mystic Congregational Church. We celebrated our 21 year long partnership. For the month of April, they have been celebrating the 50th year since the founding of their congregation. Today, the celebration included joining in Word and worship together outside on their playground, a feast of traditional Korean food, and afternoon of game playing by all ages that culminated in a game whereby all the members of the congregation threw water balloons at Rev. Gwak and myself. In worship, The four members of the Mystic delegation joined with a small choir to sing together the offertory song “Our Wonderful Savior,” a popular Hymn among Korean Presbyterian churches and the churches exchanged gifts.
The patterns of our gathered worship were familiar and Spirit filled. The accomplishment and feeling of satisfaction found in winning a tug of war game were universal. The excitement of greeting new friends and learning together brought us together. The whole day had me singing the familiar hymn “This is my Song” in my head.
O God, of all the nations, may our prayers for peace blow freely across all borders. Amen.
