Doug grew famous last month with a simple, yet heartwarming invitation to his Winter Party. He certainly did not mean to get so much attention; his intention was to have a small gathering of old and new friends. Doug is an 87-year-old man whose wife passed away three years ago. He personally delivered twenty-four handwritten invitations that simply said, “A Celebration of Winter. 4pm until the cops arrive. Food and drinks on offer. Bring only a smile,” underneath his drawing of a snowflake. This interaction with one of his new neighbors was captured on her door camera. She posted it on social media and their exchange went viral (rapidly circulating from one internet user to another).
Doug said he hoped to “put people together in one room and maybe they will get to know each other”. His simple gesture spread beyond one room and all over the world. He received food donations and hundreds of cards wishing them well, and it even spawned a larger gathering in the town square for those that weren’t invited. I believe people are craving goodness and community in this world where ugliness tends to overshadow the good.
Being at Lord of Life (LOL) has shown me how powerful community can be, especially when it is rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. When we come together, we see and hear each other more fully, which enables us to grow together and gives us strength. It is an act of love, of affirmation, of understanding that we are better because of what each person brings. God has created each of us in all our uniqueness and diversity to enhance our lives together. Even if you join online with us, we pray that you feel the power of community. We are grateful for all the ways we connect.
As we gather around tables to share a meal in the sanctuary for Lent Dinner/Church, it is just one of the experiences at LOL that binds us together as we listen to each other’s stories. There is a transformational and healing power when we embrace each other fully. Romans 12:10 reminds us to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” It is a holy calling.
When we feel the peace of being loved in our own uniqueness, we can confidently take that into our community as some of us did at the Hamilton Pride Community Conversation or at the rally to Unite Against Hate. We didn’t know how many other LOL people would be at these events, but we individually felt the urge to comfort and support those who are marginalized, pushed to the edges, and even hated. How beautiful it was to find the strength of community and to listen with empathy and love.
LOL may not party till the cops come like Doug’s gathering, but we know how to sing, connect, and celebrate. We pray that we can provide a community where all are seen, honored, and embraced. Sure, there are times we fail or could improve, but the core of who we are is living, sharing, and celebrating, with all people, God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Do you feel loved in your uniqueness? I hope so! How is God calling you to listen, share, and celebrate in community with others?
Always learning and growing in Christ with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation