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October 2010
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with
perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter
of our faith ~ Hebrews 12.1-2a)
Community. Body of Christ. Cloud of witnesses. These are themes
that have dominated my thoughts in this first month. What does it mean to be a community?
How does one become part of a community? What does it mean to be a Christian community, t
he body of Christ? What does it mean to be part of the Christian community we call
St. John Lutheran Church? The word 'community' comes from the Greek koinonia, which means
fellowship, a close mutual relationship; participation, sharing in; partnership; contribution; gift.
In Christian communities, we gather weekly for worship, Bible study, faith
formation (confirmation), prayer, fellowship, fun, mourning, and grieving. These are
communities in which no one has to go it alone, in which there are partners to assist and
lean on, mutual friends who give and take as needed, individuals who together contribute and
participate to make the life of the community stronger, and people who share their gifts,
enriching the whole community. One of my seminary professors once said, "A Christian community i
s a group of people who together participate in the life and mission of the Triune God."
Community is a great gift. Part of that gift, as the writer of Hebrews reminds us,
is that being part of community makes it easier to "lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely."
Broken relationships, economic woes, busy schedules and just plain exhaustion often keep us away from
community - we think that if we could just have some time to ourselves, or maybe even some peace and quiet
away from people that it will get better. Down time is indeed a good thing, but not when participating in
community is sacrificed. Being surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses reminds us that we are connected,
and reminds us that there are others to help us bear our burdens. Being surrounded by the great cloud of
witnesses reminds us that God is present, that God can take our burdens, and that God in Christ can set us free.
That's not to say that there is not room for growth. We all should be
growing in Christ. If we are not growing, I dare say, we are not truly trusting in Christ
as our Lord and savior. For when we trust in Him he takes us to depths and heights and
places we can not even fathom.
The greatest gift of Christian community is communion with the Triune God.
We not only have mutual relationships with each other, but also with God. We not only partner with
each other, but also with God. We gather in worship and at the table not only as the community of
St. John, but as the whole community in Christ, the great cloud of witnesses. It is at the table,
partaking in the body and blood of Christ, that we remember we are not alone, that God has gifted
us with the great cloud of witnesses, and that we are connected through the Holy Spirit. Looking
forward to seeing you in worship and at the table.
Peace,
Pastor Erika
To find out about this coming Sunday service, visit Pastor Erika's
Blog Spot at
pastorerikaslivingthemystery.blogspot.com
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