There is something uniquely beautiful about gathering with others to worship, serve and share God’s love. Whenever I look around during worship or as we serve together, I am reminded of the power of community and how God is working among us. My heart is full when I see the wonderfully diverse group of people that gather on Sundays to worship or whenever there is a need to serve or live generously. We have varied talents and personalities that mesh to build a foundation that is centered in the teachings of Jesus. First, love God and second, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).
We experienced this firsthand during our recent rummage sale to benefit our youth for mission trips and the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) Youth Gathering in Minneapolis next summer. An event of that scale doesn’t just happen; it was brought to life through the fellowship of a determined group of people who showed up day after day or an hour or two when they could. It took an incredible collective effort to price and sort mountains of donations, set up endless rows of tables, and handle the daunting work of cleaning up. It required folks willing to pick up items and many hands to lift and carry which included the people that sorted and donated items in their own home to bring to LOL. It also took people to cook hot dogs, organize snacks and feed hungry volunteers. We had someone who used her skills to post high-value items on social media to bring in bigger money, and someone who curated a lovely display at checkout for those last-minute impulsive purchases. Every sorted box and carried couch was an act of love and service in action. Together, we laughed, learned about each other, lifted each other up and made $9300 to support our youth!
We then rolled right into a week with our ministry partner, Family Promise of Butler County, where a team reset the fellowship, yet again, to create three bedrooms for families that are experiencing homelessness. We may not all be working together at the exact time but there is a beautiful handing off of serving opportunities. The person that brought dinner passes off the care of the families to the person who hangs out with the family after dinner (this week has been filled with paper airplane making and test flights in our back field) who then tags the people who will spend the night. There are always beautiful opportunities to meet new people and build relationships in handing off the care of the families we are lovingly hosting.
Each time we gather together, I am reminded of how the Holy Spirit works among us at that singular time and place in all of history. When we commit to showing up for one another, we unlock something powerful. Together we have the potential to grow and thrive more than we would on our own. Our individual spark becomes a roaring fire when fueled by collective energy when God is working among us.
Honored to gather with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation