‘홈커밍 데이’라는 말이 ‘패밀리 리유니언’이란 말보다는 더 익숙하지만, 오늘 경우는 ‘패밀리 리유니언(Family Reunion)’란 말이 더 적합해 보입니다. 오늘 우리는 <주님의보배교회>에서 옛 <두레교회> 개척 시에 함께 했던 식구들을 번개팅하듯이 만났기 때문입니다. 두레교회는 1986년 늦가을에 박장로님댁, 상도동 약수맨션 거실에서 스무명 남짓되는 성도들이 주일 모임을 처음 시작했습니다. 그해 12월에는 이사를 가서 담임 목사의 직무를 시작했습니다.
장승배기에서 시작한 두레교회는, 개척한지 3년도 채 되기 전에 정릉에서 <탄포리교회>를 분립개척했고(지금은 이름도 나눔교회로, 장소도 방학동으로 옮김), 또 두레 교회 개척 20주년 기념으로 개척된 교회가 오늘 우리가 모인 <주님의보배교회>입니다. 최근 3년 전에는 삼송역 부근에 <하나두레교회>를 개척하고, 한 번씩 <형제교회 강단교류>까지 하고 있습니다. <주님의보배교회>는 매주일 오후 모임이 나름 개성이 있습니다. 한 달에 한 번씩, 구역모임으로도 모이고, 세대별 모임으로도 모이고 때론 외부강사를 모시고 특별강좌를 하기도 합니다. 그리고 다음 주일처럼 주일 예배부터 <언덕교회와 함께 하는 모임>을 하고 있습니다. 오늘 ‘패밀리 리유니언(Family Reunion)’도 지난 달 세대별 모임에서 나온 안을 실행한 것입니다.
오늘은 그 때 첫예배를 시작했던 약수맨션의 장로님(지금은 목사님) 부부를 비롯해서 7-8가정의 성도들이 모였고 그 때부터 함께 했던 <주님의 보배교회> 분들도 지금 장로, 집사 권사가 되어서 합세했으니 번개팅 치고는 큰 모임이 되었습니다. 1시 반부터 예배실에서 전체모임을 하면서 세 분이 오늘의 소감과 근황을 나누어 주었습니다. 그리고 방문자들 중심으로 청년부실에 둘러 앉아서 잠깐씩 마이크를 잡았습니다. 성격이 급한 제가 먼저 마이크를 잡았고 멀리 이스라엘에서 온 데니얼과 애슐리 박으로 부터 시작해서 박동국 목사(이선주 사모), 몽골에서 번역선교를 하다가 지금 한국에서 마무리를 하고 있는 신명기, 민에스더 선교사, 두레 2기부터 함께 한 이재현 장로(김미숙 권사) 부부, 2대 담임이시고 지금 보배교회 성도 장희종(박정숙)목사, 강영안(최희숙 권사)장로 부부까지는 잘 진행했습니다. 그러다가 다른 일정으로 일찍 일어선 안지영 선교사(현 목사, 김진숙 사모)는 두레교회의 모판이 된 성경공부를 처음 시작했으니 꼭 기억해야 할 분입니다.
그리고 잠깐 흩어진 장내를 정리하고 탄포리교회 분립 후 두레교회로 오셨던 분으로 원주 가나안 농군 학교에 살고 계신 김영준( 권사)장로부부와, 주님의 보배교회 성도인 유세현 집사, 한이수(이현희 권사) 정병오(이재옥 권사) 진행되다가 두레교회와는 관련이 없고, 주보배 담임인 김형태 목사님을 방문한 강희옥 집사님까지 마이크를 잡았습니다. 서로의 이야기에 귀를 기울이며 들어주고 있는 모습에서 교회는 서로에게 관심을 기울이는 한 가족이라는 느낌을 받았습니다. 그리고 모임을 마치고 나가니 1시간도 넘는 거리에서 바로 달려온 김병규(김한나) 형제와 주일예배와 제직회까지 마치고 뒤늦게 달려온 류해신(천선희-관악교회) 목사 부부도 식탁 교제에 동참했습니다. 어두워지자 모기 때문에 다시 예배실로 들어와서 마지막으로 도착한 류해신 목사부부의 근황을 들음으로 마무리했습니다. 그리고 헤어지기 위해서 인사가 길어지는 모습을 보며, 우리가 어디서 무슨 일을 하고 살았어도, 정이 많은 한국사람이요 믿음의 한 가족이라는 생각이 들었습니다
“사랑하는 두레-탄포리 교회 성도 여러분, 복음 안에서 복음 때문에 갖는 교제는 아름다운 것입니다. 젊은 날부터 복음에 함께 서고 복음 때문에 함께 여행하고 이주하며 한평생 복음 때문에 생과 사를 ‘아굴라와 (및 오네시보로의) 집에 문안하라.’ 어찌 지나가는 말이겠습니까? 눈을 감기 전에 한 번 더 보고 싶은 친구들의 이름입니다. 복음 때문에 목숨까지 아끼지 않고 사랑을 나눈 사이입니다. 복음 때문에 먼 여정을 함께 달려온 전우입니다. 비록 디모데를 향해 너는 속히 오라고 했지만 마음 같아서는 … .
이런 그리스도인의 교제는 복된 것입니다. 먼 후일 석양 아래 사모하는 이름으로 서로 기억되는 여러분 되기를 간절히 바랍니다. 나의 갈길 다 달린 후에 면류관을 바라보며 가슴 속에 떠오르는 형제 자매의 이름에 마지막 축복 기도를 드릴 수 있다면 우리의 만남 역시 복될 것입니다. 때로는 이런 저런 오해도 있을 것이지만 먼 후일 여러분을 사랑하며 아끼는 마음이 주님 앞에서 나타날 것을 믿고 있습니다. 그러기에 우리의 교제는 더욱 아름다워질 것을 믿습니다.”(1989년 5월 14일에 두레교회에서 탄포리 분립을 하고 천진중앙교회에서 그해 여름 두 교회 연합수련회에서 “브리스가와 아굴라”란 제목의 설교입니다)
While the term “Homecoming Day” may be more familiar to us than “Family Reunion,” today the expression “Family Reunion” felt far more fitting. For today, at Treasure of the Lord Church, we gathered in what felt like a spontaneous reunion with the dear family members who had been together during the early pioneering days of the former Dure Church. Dure Church began its very first Sunday gathering in late autumn of 1986 in the living room of Elder Park's home at Yaksoo Mansion in Sangdo-dong, with about twenty believers. In December of that year, we moved into a new space, and I commenced my official duties as senior pastor.
Beginning in Jangseungbaegi, Dure Church planted a daughter church—Tanpori Church—in Jeongneung less than three years into its ministry (now renamed Nanum Church and relocated to Banghak-dong). Furthermore, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Dure Church's founding, Treasure of the Lord Church—where we met today—was established. Three years ago, Hana Dure Church was planted near Samsong Station, and we have even continued regular pulpit exchanges among our sister churches. Treasure of the Lord Church has its own unique character for its Sunday afternoon gatherings. Once a month, they gather in district fellowship, sometimes by generations, and at times they invite guest speakers for special lectures. And next Sunday, starting from the Sunday service, they will hold a joint gathering with Hill Church. Today's “Family Reunion” was also the realization of an idea proposed during last month's generational gathering.
Today, seven or eight families gathered, including the Elder couple (now Pastor) from Yaksoo Mansion, where that very first worship service was held. Those who had shared the journey since that time at Treasure of the Lord Church have now become elders, deacons, and deaconesses, turning this spontaneous gathering into quite a sizable reunion. Beginning at 1:30 PM in the sanctuary, three people shared their impressions of the day and updates on their lives during the plenary gathering. Afterwards, focusing primarily on the visitors, we sat in a circle in the youth room and took turns holding the microphone. Being somewhat impatient by nature, I took the microphone first. We heard from Daniel and Ashley Park, who had journeyed from far-off Israel, followed by Pastor Dong-Kook Park (Pastor's wife Sun-Joo Lee); Missionaries Myung-Ki Shin and Esther Min, who completed translation mission work in Mongolia and are currently wrapping up their work in Korea; Elder Jae-Hyun Lee and Deaconess Mi-Sook Kim, who joined during Dure's second phase; Pastor Hee-Jong Chang (Jung-Sook Park), the second senior pastor and now a member of Treasure of the Lord Church; and Elder Young-An Kang and Deaconess Hee-Sook Choi. Then there was Missionary Ji-Young Ahn (now Pastor, with wife Jin-Sook Kim), who had to leave early due to another schedule; he must be warmly remembered, as he was the one who started the Bible study that served as the seedbed of Dure Church.
After restoring order in the room, the microphone was passed to Elder Young-Jun Kim and his wife, who had joined Dure Church after the Tanpori Church church plant and are currently living at the Canaan Farmers School in Wonju; Deacon Se-Hyun Yoo of Treasure of the Lord Church; Lee-Soo Han (Deaconess Hyun-Hee Lee); Byung-Oh Jung (Deaconess Jae-Ok Lee); and even Deaconess Hee-Ok Kang, who had no prior connection with Dure Church but had come to visit Pastor Hyung-Tae Kim, the senior pastor of Treasure of the Lord Church. Watching everyone listen attentively to one another's stories, I felt deeply that the church is truly one family, caring attentively for one another. As we stepped outside after the gathering, Brother Byung-Kyu Kim (Hanna Kim), who had rushed over from more than an hour away, and Pastor Hae-Shin Ryu and his wife Sun-Hee Cheon (Gwanak Church), who hurried over after their own Sunday service and officers' meeting, also joined in our fellowship around the table. As dusk fell and mosquitoes emerged, we moved back into the chapel and wrapped up the day by hearing the latest news from Pastor Ryu and his wife, who had arrived last. Watching our goodbyes linger on, I reflected that no matter where we live or what work we do, we are warm-hearted Koreans and one family in faith.
“Beloved saints of Dure and Tanpori Church, fellowship shared in the gospel and for the sake of the gospel is truly beautiful. From our youth, standing together in the gospel, journeying and relocating for the sake of the gospel, sharing life and death throughout our whole lives because of the gospel—‘Greet Aquila and (the household of Onesiphorus).’ How could such words be merely passing remarks? These are the names of cherished friends whom one longs to see once more before closing one's eyes. They are relationships bound in love that did not hold back life itself for the sake of the gospel. They are comrades-in-arms who have run a long journey together for the gospel. Though he urged Timothy to come quickly, in his heart . . . .
Such Christian fellowship is deeply blessed. It is my earnest prayer that you will be remembered by one another in the distant future beneath the setting sun as names held in deep affection. If, after finishing my course and looking toward the crown of righteousness, I can offer a final prayer of blessing over the names of brothers and sisters that well up in my heart, our meeting will indeed have been blessed. Though there may occasionally be misunderstandings along the way, I trust that in the distant future our deep love and affection for one another will be unveiled before the Lord. Therefore, I believe our fellowship will grow ever more beautiful.” (From the sermon titled “Priscilla and Aquila,” preached on May 14, 1989, at the joint summer retreat of Dure Church and Tanpori Church held at Cheonjin Central Church following the church plant).
Hoewel die uitdrukking “Tuiskomdag” vir ons meer bekend is as “Familie-reünie”, het die benaming “Familie-reünie (Family Reunion)” vandag veel meer gepas gevoel. Want vandag het ons by die Skat van die Here-gemeente soos in 'n blitsbyeenkoms saamgekom met die einste familie wat destyds tydens die aanvang van die ou Dure-gemeente saam was. Dure-gemeente het in die laat herfs van 1986 met 'n klein groepie van sowat twintig gelowiges vir die heel eerste Sondagbyeenkoms in die sitkamer van ouderling Park se huis by Yaksoo Mansion in Sangdo-dong vergader. In Desember van daardie jaar het ons na 'n ander plek verhuis en het ek my bediening as leraar formeel begin.
Nadat Dure-gemeente in Jangseungbaegi begin het, het dit minder as drie jaar na stigting die Tanpori-gemeente in Jeongneung afgestig (wat nou die naam Nanum-gemeente dra en na Banghak-dong verskuif het), en ter herdenking van die 20ste bestaansjaar van Dure-gemeente is die einste gemeente waar ons vandag saamgekom het—Skat van die Here-gemeente—geplant. Sowat drie jaar gelede is Hana Dure-gemeente naby Samsong-stasie geplant, en ons wissel selfs van tyd tot tyd die kansel met mekaar af as susterkerke. Skat van die Here-gemeente het 'n heel eiesoortige karakter tydens hul Sondagmiddagbyeenkomste. Een keer per maand ontmoet hulle as wyksbyeenkomste, dan weer volgens generasies, en soms nooi hulle buitesprekers vir spesiale lesings. En soos volgende Sondag, hou hulle vanaf die Sondagdiens 'n gesamentlike byeenkoms saam met Heuwel-gemeente. Vandag se “Familie-reünie” was eweneens die uitvoering van 'n voorstel wat tydens verlede maand se generasiebypraat na vore gekom het.
Vandag het sewe tot agt gesinne byeengekom, insluitend die ouderling-egpaar (nou predikant) van Yaksoo Mansion waar daardie heel eerste erediens begin het. Dié wat van daardie tyd af saam was en nou as ouderlinge, diakens en diakonesse by Skat van die Here-gemeente dien, het aangesluit, sodat dit vir 'n blitsbyeenkoms 'n heel merkwaardige groot byeenkoms geword het. Vanaf half twee het ons 'n algemene byeenkoms in die eredienssaal gehou, waar drie persone hul indrukke van die dag en hul huidige welstand gedeel het. Daarna het ons veral saam met die besoekers in 'n kring in die jeugvertrek gesit en elkeen kortliks die mikrofoon geneem. Omdat ek van nature ietwat haastig is, het ek eerste die mikrofoon gevat, en daarna het ons geluister na Daniel en Ashley Park wat van ver uit Israel gekom het; ds. Dong-Kook Park (pastoriemoeder Sun-Joo Lee); die sendelinge Myung-Ki Shin en Esther Min wat vertaalwerk in Mongolië gedoen het en tans hul werk in Korea afrond; ouderling Jae-Hyun Lee (diakones Mi-Sook Kim) wat van die tweede fase van Dure af saam was; ds. Hee-Jong Chang (Jung-Sook Park), die tweede leraar en tans lidmaat van Skat van die Here-gemeente; en ouderling Young-An Kang en diakones Hee-Sook Choi. Sendeling Ji-Young Ahn (tans leraar, en pastoriemoeder Jin-Sook Kim), wat weens ander verpligtinge vroeg moes vertrek, is iemand wat beslis onthou moet word, aangesien hy destyds die Bybelstudie begin het wat die saeibed van Dure-gemeente gevorm het.
Nadat die rustigheid in die vertrek weer herstel is, het die mikrofoon gegaan na ouderling Young-Jun Kim en sy eggenote, wat ná die afstigting van Tanpori-gemeente na Dure-gemeente gekom het en tans by die Kanaän-boereskool in Wonju woon; diaken Se-Hyun Yoo van Skat van die Here-gemeente; Lee-Soo Han (diakones Hyun-Hee Lee); Byung-Oh Jung (diakones Jae-Ok Lee); en selfs diakones Hee-Ok Kang, wat geen verbintenis met Dure-gemeente gehad het nie maar vir ds. Hyung-Tae Kim, die leraar van Skat van die Here-gemeente, kom besoek het. Terwyl almal aandagtig na mekaar se verhale geluister het, het ek diepe gewaarwording gehad dat die kerk waarlik één familie is wat met opregte sorg aan mekaar aandag skenk. Toe ons ná die byeenkoms buitetoe stap, het broer Byung-Kyu Kim (Hanna Kim), wat meer as 'n uur ver aangery gekom het, en ds. Hae-Shin Ryu en sy eggenote Sun-Hee Cheon (Gwanak-gemeente), wat ná hul eie Sondagdiens en kerkraadsvergadering haastig opgedaag het, ook by ons tafelgemeenskap aangesluit. Toe dit skemer word en die muskiete pla, het ons weer na die saal teruggekeer en afgesluit deur te luister na die welstand van ds. Ryu en sy vrou, wat laaste aangekom het. Terwyl die groetery maar voortslep het, het die gedagte by my opgekom dat, ongeag waar ons woon of watter werk ons doen, ons warmhartige Koreane is en één gesin in die geloof.
“Geliefde gemeentelede van Dure- en Tanpori-gemeente, die gemeenskap wat ons in die evangelie en ter wille van die evangelie beleef, is iets wonderskoons. Om van ons jeug af saam in die evangelie te staan, ter wille van die evangelie saam te reis en te verhuis, en lewe en dood lewenslank aan die evangelie te wy—‘Groet vir Aquila en (die huis van Onesiforus).’ Hoe kan dit 'n terloopse woord wees? Dit is die name van vriende wat 'n mens nog eenmaal wil sien voordat jy jou oë finaal toemaak. Dit is vriende wat liefde gedeel het sonder om hul lewens selfs ter wille van die evangelie te ontsien. Dit is strydgenote wat 'n lang reis ter wille van die evangelie saam afgelê het. Al het hy vir Timoteus aangespoor om spoedig te kom, sou hy in sy hart . . . .
Sulke Christelike gemeenskap is 'n geseënde gawe. Dit is my innige bede dat julle in die verre toekoms onder die skemerlig as geliefde name deur mekaar onthou sal word. As ek, nadat ek my wedloop voleindig het en na die erekroon uitsien, 'n laaste seëngebed kan uitspreek oor die name van broers en susters wat in my hart opklim, sal ons ontmoeting waarlik geseënd wees. Al sal daar by tye misverstande wees, glo ek dat ons wedersydse liefde en omgee in die verre toekoms voor die Here openbaar sal word. Daarom glo ek dat ons gemeenskap net nóg mooier sal word.” (Uittreksel uit die preek getiteld “Priscilla en Aquila”, gelewer op 14 Mei 1989 tydens die gesamentlike somerkamp van Dure-gemeente en Tanpori-gemeente by Cheonjin Sentrale Gemeente ná die afstigting).