Living in community

This morning we celebrated World Communion Sunday at church. The observation began back in 1933 in a Pittsburg Presbyterian church as a celebration of oneness. It was open to other denominations from the start, which is just one of the things I love about Presbyterians – the open, ecumenical practice of faith. It is now celebrated around the world in many denominations.

Our church’s practice involves the use of various breads for this communion service. Several members bake breads representing other countries and cultures. I baked that lovely Jewish challah bread I mentioned yesterday and was honored that mine was the one selected for the minister to break and share amongst the baskets.

As we shared in communion with, not only our own church family, but others around the world we were reminded of our common bonds. The sermon this morning was one that found me nodding in agreement more than once. There is something very intimate about sharing food with others and we were reminded of our responsibility to see that all are fed, both spiritually and physically.

The children’s sermon focused on the concept of family and just who IS our family. In recent years I’ve come to believe that family is a much larger concept than simply those to whom we are related. We may not get to choose our relatives but we can create our own family. For me, that includes my church family and all these adorable children:

The older I get the more I see the value of living in community with one another. As the saying goes, no man is an island. We need one another. The American ideal of the “rugged individualist” doesn’t line up with the teachings of Jesus. We are called to take care of one another, bear one another’s burdens, share our second coat, serve one another, care for the poor, and most of all, love one another. At least that’s the way I read it. But then, perhaps that’s just my hippie tendencies coming out.