Reflecting on Community

An important aspect of my Lenten reflection has been focused on evaluating my parish internship experience and looking forward to what a future parish assignment might bring. In light of my formation as a member of Middleham and St. Peter’s for twenty five years, I have come to recognize the most important factor in the church equation for me is community. The two most significant examples of community I’ve ever experienced were through Middleham and St. Peter’s.

The winter of 2009-2010 when my husband had his heart surgery, the support through community that I received was what sustained me during that time of fear, stress, and a complete overhaul of my mindset of Tim’s mortality. The prayers, visits, food, and people staying with him while I was in Baltimore, and not able to be home, are just some of the ways that people poured out their love. The most moving of all was the delivery of a prayer shawl to the hospital just prior to his coming out of surgery, so that when he woke up it was covering him. Knowing that loving hands had made it and so many people had prayed over it gave me great comfort.

The most significant spiritual experience I ever had came through the community that developed among those who served on the search committee as we looked for a new rector, resulting in calling Father David. That group was led by the spirit. Such a strong sense of community was felt among the members, that there is no doubt in my mind that it was God’s will that Father David be among us.

Interestingly, community spirituality is a Biblical concept. The story of Israel in the Hebrew Scriptures is more about the community’s relationship with God than about individual relationship with God. Surely they would have developed a keen sense of community as they wandered through the desert for forty years.

In the New Testament, Paul uses the expression in Christ frequently as the image of life in a community that is centered in Christ. These communities were small and intimate groups who met in small spaces where only 10-15 could gather.

The sharing of food marked these Spirit centered communities. Not really so different from our gatherings today. We socialize around pot luck, serve food for meetings, and most importantly are fed from the Holy Table at the Eucharist.

Community makes our sorrows easier to bear and joy more complete. As we enter into Holy Week, we can be mindful of the love that surrounds us in this community. It is a precious gift.

Nancy Wakeman

Perspective

It seems that much of what we experience in life depends on our perspective of what it is that happens to us. Do you view challenges, good or bad, as opportunities to be met head on, with strength and perseverance, or as an invasion of your personal routine that completely throws you off track into an abyss of depression and worry?

Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? For me, I usually end up with Door Number 1, but sometimes, in the beginning, Door Number 2 smacks me in the gut, until I get my bearings.

I recently had a back ache. For those of you who have suffered back pain and know what I’m talking about, maybe I should rephrase that description. PAIN! I was told to take some over-the-counter pain relief and that eventually I would recover. I am currently feeling much better, but I still feel I need be conscious of how I move. I knew, somehow, that I would probably recover, sooner than later. Compared to the pain and suffering going on in the world today, particularly in Japan after the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power problems, my singular pain seems somehow seriously insignificant. Recovering from this incomprehensible disaster will take years. Perspective.

In the season of Lent, we are given the opportunity to do some soul searching and thinking about our faith . Traditionally we are supposed to engage in fasting, almsgiving and praying. We have modified these to better fit our lifestyle. Giving up something for Lent allows us to focus on our spiritual strength and perseverance in following Christ. While doing without something for 40 days may throw off your routine, the change it requires challenges you to be more aware of what sacrifice is all about. Lent is not only about giving up something, but also giving of yourself. Be grateful that you have what you have and consider giving your time or treasure to someone less fortunate. Praying, any time, any where, any way, for anyone, works.

Joan Shisler