New Communities

I’ve been thinking about how Paul didn’t write letters to individuals, but instead wrote letters to communities of faith.  Paul didn’t write a letter to Bob in Corinth or Jane in Thessalonica.  Paul’s letters addressed issues that were affecting all the people in those early Chrisitan communities.

Our kids are looking for new communities now.  Caleb is a freshman at the University of Central Missouri.  Elizabeth just started a job at the Truman Presidential Library (if anyone wants free tickets, let us know).  Both are finding new community in the midst of new circumstances.  Caleb went camping / rock climbing with UCM’s climbing club in remote north central Arkansas.  He had a great time, and now sees more friendly faces as he walks around campus.  Elizabeth is interacting with the public and learning about new coworkers.

Peace is the best kind of community.  We try to meet each person where they are and encourage them to connect in whatever way is meaningful to them.  The Peace community includes everyone, which is why our fall stewardship campaign is focused on the song Everybody from Ingrid Michaelson, which has a line, “Just let the love love love begin.”  So, we should let the love begin and keep creating community.

Creator,

As we grow and change, help us to take care of everyone we meet with care, concern, and love.  Help us to know that Jesus and the early church worked hard to develop communities that could live, work and love together.  Grace to us this week.  May we find it, and may we give it to others.

Amen

Michelle is a Program Analyst with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She’s a wife, mother, sister, and friend, a chocolate and coffee lover, reader of books, listener of podcasts, and a travel enthusiast.