If one
member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice
together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
At the close of each Sunday worship service, the minister says,
"Go in peace. Serve the Lord." The congregation responds, "Thanks be to
God."
The worship service is over, and we go back into the world. But it is
God’s world, and we have just heard the words, "Serve the Lord." Do we do
that? How? If we are "the body of Christ," as scripture says, how do we share
another’s suffering? Or another’s joy?
Consider these things that happen during the week.
Homebound Communion Assistants take Holy Communion to the hospitalized
and homebound. They listen to and pray with those who are suffering. They rejoice with
those who are healing.
Senior citizens gather for a covered dish lunch. Friends at one table
listen to one who is about to leave her home and move to an assisted living apartment. At
other tables, conversations include news of a son’s job promotion, a new grandchild,
a sister’s serious illness. Sorrow and joy shared.
A Parish Nurse sits with a family who has a loved one undergoing
surgery. A Stephen Minister calls on her Care Receiver. Members of the Prayer Chain relay
the day’s concerns. Other phone calls request food to serve at a funeral dinner, or
at the home of a convalescent, or to new parents. Joy and sorrow shared.
Cooks, table parents, teachers, dishwashers provide structure and
support for the children’s midweek LOGOS event of play, dine, sing, study. Fun and
faith are shared with children – and sometimes sorrows.
Through playgroups of mothers and young children, athletic activities,
youth events, office work, sewing projects, lawn care, and Bible study, we serve the Lord,
share our joys and sorrows, and grow in faith. Thanks be to God!
Dear Heavenly Father, through your Son Jesus, you have made us
your children. Open our hearts to serve you each day in faith and love with the simple
talents you have given us.
