For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
(Romans 12:4-5)
We held our annual congregational meeting last week, and in most ways it was pretty much business as usual. There was time for fellowship and conversation over a meal, followed by the routine of reports, a few comments, budget discussion and approval, and election of council members. To many it might have seemed like a pretty ordinary meeting, but when you realize that we were all there voluntarily, and that the subject of our reports and discussions was how the people of St. Andrew are working at being God’s presence in our community — well, that puts a little different light on it.
Paul’s letters to the Romans, Corinthians and Ephesians all have messages on the importance of how Christians are called to live as communities of believers. These communications further emphasize the equality of each individual’s ability, and that none is more important or a greater gift to Christ’s church than another. In the detailed explanation in I Corinthians 12:4-31, Paul describes the foolishness of any single part declaring itself not part of the whole body. It almost sounds like an illustration for a children’s sermon or Sunday School lesson, as he speaks of how the head cannot decide it has no need of the feet. All of us, young children included, understand that the human body doesn’t operate that way, and it’s at its best when everything is healthy and functioning.
Seeing and hearing how people share both their abilities and their time in numerous areas of service vividly illustrates how using our strengths for a common purpose brings us together. The opportunities to serve, to share, and to grow together as individuals and yet be one in faith are without limit, and we are greatly blessed to be a part of this fellowship of believers. We have a church home and a church family here at St. Andrew, and to love and care for one another as well as any who are looking for a home and a family is a blessing and a gift beyond measure.
. . . be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers