We recognize that community exists in many forms such as work, family, work, social and service activities, work, extracurricular functions of children, work, and church. Some of us remember the television sit-com from the ‘60s that featured Dobie Gillis and his friend the hippie who would shriek “WORK!” whenever the topic was mentioned. Maybe the hippie was right. We have allowed work to dominate our culture and society. We sense that train left the station a long time ago.
Notice the above list ends with church, by design. Church has been a focal point for American society and culture since the beginning of our nation. That statement was probably truer in pre-industrial times, when our forefathers & mothers were agrarian and had fewer choices.
Today, we sense our culture is dependent on work for many reasons. Church has become secondary at best for many. Work provides the necessities of life and more. We also sense that work provides meaning and purpose for many.
Even in ancient times, though, Solomon recognized that chasing after fame and fortune is like chasing the wind. He reminded us that the purpose of life is to love and serve our God, and each other. Today we simply say, “Life is not about stuff!” Unfortunately, for some, it is about stuff. When asked how much is enough, the economist Milton Friedman, said “Just a little more”.
As we reflect on community, we recognize the importance of having friends who care, and for whom we care and love. In their previous posts, Martin and Carol Devries and Kathy and Ken Wood both focused on small groups as a form of community. We whole-heartedly agree with their observations. We’ve been there, as participants and leaders. We agree that we have a church with many small groups, and suggest that we should be a church “of small groups.” That’s another story, but there is a distinction and a difference.
During this time of health issues for Tim, we also recognize the community spirit that causes members of Fellowship to rally around when serious things happen, even beyond health trials. We started “The Hope Group” as a means of bringing the peace of the Holy Spirit to those facing a variety of trials. Our leadership aside, some similar group should exist because the needs are ongoing.
Members of Fellowship have blessed us with untold numbers of cards and notes, citing love, prayers, concern for us. In addition, modern technology allows for two-way communication through websites like CarePages.com (DrTimothyRTaylor, [note: no spaces] in the event you have not visited it.) We have been able to post status updates and received messages from many friends and family through that communication tool.
Whether health or other issues prevent us from attending worship services, we recognize the importance of faith (as opposed to religion) to community. Raising faith to the highest level in our lives has allowed us to demonstrate better our commitment to our loving God. It acknowledges our belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior. The daily whispers of hope and peace from God’s Holy Spirit become clearer.
We share our faith in the hope of lifting others in our community. Simultaneously, the faith, love, and concern of our community inspire us. Most importantly, our purpose of loving and serving our God moves from the last priority to the first. We are trying to rid our lives of stuff and business. We love our God and church community because he loved us first. The cross is our proof.
Peace, Grace, and Love, Friends!
Linda and Tim