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Nehemiah 7:1-4
BY ANN FRALEY

It was always great fun to go to church with Aunt Josephine up in the mountains of Kentucky. She would plan with the neighbors to get ready for the weekend when the much-awaited circuit rider would visit Snively Chapel.

The chapel was the first Methodist church in Pike County, one little room with a steeple, on the banks of John?s Creek, built by the valley men using timber off their own land.

When their turn for the circuit rider rolled around, someone had to come by early in the week to dust the pews and make sure the weather hadn?t done any damage since the last visit.

Someone agreed to come early those Sundays to bring coal for the potbelly stove. Eventually someone donated a little pump organ that was greatly loved. And always one of the folks with a bigger house would volunteer to 'put up the preacher' for the weekend and provide a special dinner for him and the deacons after the service.

In recent years some of my favorite churches continue this joy of involvement. Although the preacher might be more settled and regular, the sanctuary and service are still carefully prepared by different folks who make or hang banners, set up for Communion, bring flowers from home or come early to fold the bulletins.

Some people prepare Sunday school lessons; others buy construction paper for a children?s project. The cherished tradition of dinner-on-the-grounds is still alive and well. Sometimes chicken from KFC is more common than homemade pie, but it all tastes great to people who want to be together as a community of God.

In Nehemiah?s time, the enemies of Israel had completely wrecked the city of Jerusalem. No one could have built it back alone. Nehemiah heard of the destruction and prayed to God to be allowed to do his part in bringing about the restoration of the city.

When he came back to the scene of destruction it was so massive as to be beyond his means. But he describes a wealth of people who stepped forward to rebuild a piece of the wall - a frame for the Dung Gate, doors, beams and bolts for the Valley Gate, and many other ruined sections. The text lists name after name of those making repairs. It seems that a myriad of people were involved, each doing the part that person or household could best contribute.

Of course, Nehemiah had an added burden of defending his actions against all the ones who feared his power and influence. He continually cried out to God and made his decisions based on what he believed to be God?s desires.

Eventually the new walls and gates were completed and the city was safe. Jerusalem was going to live on as a testament to what dedicated believers could accomplish together.

Little Snively Chapel still sits on the bank of John?s Creek in Pike County, Ky. It isn?t used for regular services any more, but it is still the site of a joyous homecoming celebration and dinner-on-the-grounds every October.

Whether rebuilding a city or preparing and preserving a church sanctuary, the work of God?s people to build community and sacred places is to be cherished forever.

Ann Fraley is a laymember of Foundry UMC in Washington, DC.