Augustana Chapel, the Leadership Conference, and the Communion of Saints

During LSTC’s Leadership conference, worship in Augustana Chapel provides its own experience of the communion of saints. Today, a 2006 graduate, vested in a stole given by the class of 2009, preached a simply outstanding sermon. Teachers smiled proudly; students heard a preacher they want to emulate. Another alum greeted a professor as if she was still his student, then turned and was greeted by two seminarians, who know the professor’s student as their field education supervisor. Old friends from many eras greet each other as if time stood still and, regrettably, brokenness manifests itself as if the breach in relationship happened just yesterday. On these days, everyone is reminded that the space, the worship, and the community are theirs, yes, and they are larger, greater, and more inclusive than those who occupy the chapel and the campus at any given time. The graduate who brings his daughter to check out the school is a proclamation that the space, the worship, the community will continue after those who currently occupy the campus are gone. Identities change. Students become leaders. Professors who once seemed so powerful turn out to be good conversation partners and perhaps a bit too human. And as this unique community gathers, everyone is mindful of someone who isn’t there. And in the midst of this we splash water, hear Word, eat bread and drink wine. We experience God. We know that, more than anything else, we are Christ’s baptized saints. And in this we find unity or communion.