Both the music and sermons filled our cups to overflowing on the final Sabbath of the 2025 General Conference session. The many inspiring song selections touched our emotions, making us long for the unity of spirit that would bring us even closer to God and each other.
There was one musical selection that particularly moved me at the Sabbath morning service. I thought at first it was going to be led by a men’s choir, as mostly men were taking their places on the stage. But then noticed among them were a few women, all dressed like the men, with white shirts and ties and matching skirts instead of pants. I thought at the time that it was unusual for men to outnumber women in a choir.
This diverse group turned out to be a pastors’ choir from the New Jersey Conference in the North America Division and their song, “When We All Get to Heaven”, dove deep into my soul that day, moving me to tears.
As a widow, my thoughts turned to my husband who passed away seven years ago. He loved the Lord and would have loved to attend one of these massive international GC meetings with me, but we had never had the opportunity. The words of the song made me long for heaven even more.
The Sabbath GC meeting had seemed earlier to be brighter and more wonderful than anything I had ever witnessed. But it did not appear so shiny in that moment. Surely, God has something better that will include all our loved ones who are sleeping in the Lord.
I hope those pastors from New Jersey know what a powerful sermon they preached that morning, not just by the words of their song, but by the strong emotions that came through in their voices.
Let’s thank God for all His people who meet anywhere and long for heaven. Whether it’s at big convocations, like the General Conference session, or small congregations with just a few worshippers who have big, caring hearts, we all long to be in heaven together someday.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
P.S. If you want to see more of my personal impression of the GC session, see these articles https://www.outlookmag.org/people-watching-at-the-gc/ and https://www.outlookmag.org/lost-and-found-at-the-general-conference-session/
