What is a community? We use the word in many senses. Sometimes a small village is called a community. Perhaps a small to medium size town can be called a community. Sometimes even large cities are referred to as a community. What is that quality to which we are really referring?
The sense of community that has the most meaning is that of a relationship between people. It may be a small group of people who live near each other. It may be a large group of people who call a political entity home and share many concerns.
Whether one refers to the scientific community, our community, or a faith community, one thing is certain: community cannot exist without people. More importantly, community cannot exist without people who have some relationship with one another. Another way to think of community is fellowship.
Fellowship is can be defined as the companionship of individuals sharing common interests in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms. And so it is that this community is based upon these ideals:
We are mostly social beings who, at one time or another, need encouragment, support, friendship, or just to be in a place where "everbody knows your name."
We are created by a social being. God is Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thus, God is community. God loves. God creates. God seeks to be reconciled with the creation ( us! ).
In order for this reconciliation to occur, God encourages us to come together in a place where we can be reconciled with each other. It's a place of forgiveness, understanding and nurture. It's a place where we can journey through lifes hills and dales, over peaks and through valleys, without being alone. It's a place where we learn congeniality toward all. It's a place where we learn that we are all equally good and bad. It's a place where we learn to love, forgive, and to give.
That is just a small view of community. You have found your way to a community based upon a common belief and faith in the love of God for us all. That's a love we can see in so many ways, but especially in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth...the Messiah...the Anointed One, the Christ. In this place is a fellowship where we are all equal before one another and before God. It is a place where can be loved and challenged...and transformed.
