One Mind

Here's part of the second reading for next Sunday;

"I appeal to you...that you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you..."
--1 Corinthians 1:10a


Coming on the heels of an annual congregational meeting that could have been an ironic occurrence, reading this. As it was, our meeting revealed that there were no divisions amongst us, and that we were in agreement about both the need for the $36,000 deficit, and the need to go the extra mile in giving this year. We need that amount to fully fund our ministry, and so we need to see what else we can give.

To that end, Extra Mile commitment cards were handed out. (If you missed the meeting, the cards are available in the narthex.) The cards can be returned in the offering plate or the mail. Council suggested that each family could give an extra $10 a week to eradicate the bulk of the shortfall. Knowing that some might give more, and other may not be able to give that much. Council also kicked it off with their commitment of $5,000 towards balancing the budget.


We were in agreement about being more "green" as well. The Greening of Messiah resolution passed handily--although I'm thinking people will perhaps disagree later when it comes to sacrificing for that goal. No matter, we'll work it out.

As we will the other differences of opinion we have. We may disagree whole heartedly, but there still won't be divisions among us. Because--here's the rest of the verse:

"...but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose." --v 10b

That mind is the mind of Christ. That purpose is living out the promise of our baptism--spreading the good news that in Jesus, God has entered into the creation for its renewal and restoration--and that this new life is for all people! Even when we differ, we can agree that Jesus is the source and font of God's love, and work together to let that be known.

If you were there at Annual Meeting, count yourself lucky to have witnessed the body of Christ in action--working as a group of individuals joined around the one truth that can not fail. Working for the good of the church and the good of those who have that Jesus-sized hole that requires filling.

If you weren't there, I wish you had been. For our sake, as the body is more than the sum of its parts and needs all parts to be all it can be. And for your sake, as the hard work of relating to each other through disagreement is good practice for life in general. Hope we see you for the next one!

God of all, you bring us into the church and make us one. Help us to use that unity to make that church effective, loving, and righteous. Amen