Living in Community

I’m late posting again this week. This time it’s because of planning for a funeral. A ‘spiritual redwood’ in the congregation I’m serving died Tuesday and I have the privilege of speaking into that and helping with honouring her and God on Saturday.

Funerals feel daunting with the pressure of doing justice to the family and the person who has passed on. And I felt overwhelmed until God reminded me that the very scripture I’m preaching on for Sunday is still true of Christian community. In Acts 2:37-47, it’s still on the day of Pentecost. Peter finishes preaching by admonishing the Jews there, who now feel upset about Jesus’ crucifixion and their complicity in it, to repent, be baptized, and receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. Thousands accept his invitation that day. They go on to live in tight community - learning, praying, eating and worshiping together, selling their belongings and property, and sharing with those in need.

As I considered whether I could take on this funeral, I quickly found I was surrounded by support. I will be co-leading with an old friend who used to be the deceased’s minister. Leaders in my congregation have spoken words of encouragement and are praying. Someone has offered to provide music if needed. Family have openly shared with me in ways that have humbled me and also inspired me in what to say about this beloved woman of God. I feel lifted up and recognize that I’m not alone, and it’s not about me, and it will be fine.

What a gift Christian community is - the sharing of our blessings and abilities, the support given, the people around us of different ages and stages who can offer inspiration and comfort, advice and patient listening. This is how we were meant to be as God’s people - each complimenting the body in unique ways and building each other up. We all contribute to the well-being of the whole and no one needs to be alone.

Because of Covid, there are some muscles we just haven’t flexed in quite a while. Hosting church dinners, visiting people in their homes or care facilities, and even being together in worship are skills that have atrophied over two years. We are challenged to recover that muscle memory of interdependence and trusting in each other to catch us when we struggle or stumble. We have the task of overcoming the social anxiety of Covid while still being aware of safety and protecting the vulnerable among us. We have the responsibility of relearning and teaching others how to show up in community in times of need.

I see this happen, and experience it myself, my soul is replenished, hope feels stronger, and I realize that I can do whatever God asks within the warm refuge of caring community. May we all be ready to embrace our place within Christian community, benefitting from and upholding each other, to the glory of God.