Signs of Life: Community

This week we are invited to reflect on the sign of Community. Who is your community?

Scripture: John 15:12-17 (NRSV)

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Collect:

Almighty Triune God, we thank you for the gift of community, by which we share life’s journey and grow together. May we follow your example of mutual self-giving and love to bless each other with an ever-widening embrace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who dances with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in Trinity of persons now and forever. Amen.

As you watch this video, pay attention to the various ways community is explored, and think about how community is present in the life and liturgies of your worshiping community.

Practice:

When you spend time with others this week, whether face to face or by phone or Skype, be fully present with them. Put away distractions, and ask them to do the same. Remember that Jesus dwells in each of us and is manifest among community.

Join Brother Jim, Rev. Becky and Charlotte live on Tuesday, March 31 at 7pm EST, as they take the conversation further in a video conversation available here.