Koinonia and the River of God by Alice Goodwin
November 18, 2009
The Lord tells us that the water He gives us will become in us “a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14). As Father Chip says, this River of God (the Spirit) flows through All Saints Anglican Church. At the Sunday morning services the current is channeled through the classic structure of the Scripture-based Communion rite. On Sunday evening at Koinoia the Spirit moves freely through praise songs, healing prayer, fellowship, Bible study, and deliverance sessions.
The Lord inhabits the praises of his people and the praise band leads the way with a collection of contemporary songs, traditional hymns (sometimes delightfully reinvented), and classic worship music (“Adoramus te Christe” sung with guitar accompaniment). In this relaxed and reverent atmosphere, each participant is free to respond to the Spirit’s leading. Some sit, some stand, some raise their hands, some sing, some listen. As the set progresses the music becomes more reflective and flows into prayer led by Father Chip.
The prayer of the faithful opens the time when those who wish to be prayed for can receive this ministry through intercessors, while others share fellowship over food. Koinonia is a safe place to ask questions. As someone new in the Lord, I have really been blessed by Sunday night opportunities to talk with those who are further along in their walk with the Lord. The Bible study (Lectio Divina) also provides an opportunity to relate personally to the selected Scripture passage and learn from the sharing of others. I still recall my surprise and delight when I first heard the laughter that accompanies Father Ed’s Bible study.
Sunday evening is also the time for deliverance sessions for those who want intensive intercession. Father Chip leads these sessions with support of the intercessors whom the Spirit provides.
At Koinonia, “going with the flow” takes on a whole new meaning. Jump in—the water’s fine in the River of God!
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