Refuge, armor and protection

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge, his faithfulness will be your armor and protection.

Psalm 91:4

So many times I have sat with families, prayed with them, held their hands and hugged them as they celebrate joys in their life and struggled with sadness and anxiety. To be in Christian community and serve others is a great joy for me. And this week the tables were turned: I was anxious as I walked into the hospital to register Dick, my husband, for surgery. These feelings all changed when Dick was surrounded by our church family and Father Jim at the registration desk where prayers and laughter ensued. Dick and I were not alone. We were wrapped under the wings of our Triune God manifested by our Christian community, our community surrounded us in the name of Jesus Christ.

Christian community is such a blessing. It’s a place where we love, support, carry and celebrate each other. We are one body with many parts that work in harmony and joy. I am so grateful to be part of this special community called All Saints’. 

So what makes this community so dear?

We are devoted to Christ and see Jesus in each other.

We place our trust in our Triune God in whom all things are accomplished: healing, ministry, worship, compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation.

We honor each other and strangers with mutual support and generosity. During hardships, we care with respect, assist and encourage. We step up for each other. We celebrate success in each other.

We share fellowship and laughter. We break bread together, enjoying and savoring the beauty of God’s creation.

In community, we are united with God in love, prayer and corporate worship. We walk in faith and are swept up by the Holy Spirit into the world to live in the light of God’s salvation and shine His light into the world.

I give thanks for the joy of community, and I know many of you reading this join me in lifting praises and giving thanks for the community called “All Saints’.”

+Jackie