In Feb. 2020 I booked flights for Europe with expectancy. I had been given the privilege of addressing the Irish RP Church synod and the Scottish RP Church presbytery at their summer meetings. For my wife and me, this would be our first trip to Europe and our first opportunity to go and see RP brothers and sisters outside North America.

In March 2020, the world shut down. Even in 2021, international travel was difficult and the Irish and Scottish RP courts did not meet in person. In 2022, however, a window opened.

Waiting for us at the end of the airport corridor were friends Ian and Shelby Gillies of the Glasgow RPC. Ian had graduated from the RP Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Shelby had been editorial assistant for the RP Witness. They helped us cope with our severe jet lag and ease into life in a different country. It’s surprising how different the English language can sound when spoken with different accents, at a fast pace, and with a lot of new terms!

Despite differences, our ties with RP brothers and sisters grew stronger for crossing the Atlantic. We talked to new friends just like they were old friends. We could worship together just like back home. We shared the same challenges of being salt and light in an increasingly secular world.

For 36 years we have written about Reformed Presbyterian events and people around the world, but to be in others’ context brings an entirely new level of fellowship and understanding. Plus there were so many little joys along the way—such as meeting the author of the biker article (p. 6) following a session of the Irish synod!

For generations, a small number of pastors have criss-crossed the pond for pulpit exchanges. This makes so much sense. They get a respite from the burdens of their local community while also get-ting to experience RP life and ministry in a new place. Their congregations get to know a pastor and his family from another country and context. Often, both of those congregations are far from other RP congregations, and this exchange can shrink the world and decrease the isolation.

Because of the pandemic, isolation has generally increased. Now that many of the restrictions are lifted, I believe this is a time to be intentional about getting back together. It would be a blessing to see more pulpit exchanges. But why stop there?

The rest of us should consider “pew exchanges.” Plan your work and leisure trips so you can visit RP congregations, especially those you haven’t attended before. It won’t be formal like a pulpit exchange; and it could be to your neighboring state. If you don’t know anyone in the church, con-tact the pastor to see if hospitality is available. When you go, see how you can serve and encourage for that brief time. You will find, as Lynne and I did, that some people will be new to that congregation and will be people the church has been reaching out to. So plan your travels to connect with other RPs, and in doing so have a part in strengthening the RP church in your country and around the world.