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It is our tradition on the first Sunday of the month to participate in the Lord’s Supper. After we partake and celebrate, we share signs of peace with one another. There is something about this simple, sacred moment of shaking hands and seeking community with one another.
We take the time to share something the world does not normally know how to understand: peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding and together leads us into the glorious light. We pass peace into each other’s hands, to be held for the times and moments when we forget peace is even possible. The passing of peace is a time to lift the spirits of those who are down or just sit with them on their journey. It seems somewhat like a Baptist potluck; we eat together, and everyone brings a bit of something — peace — to the party and shares it in their own way. It is the start of community with someone you do not know or even the continuation of long-tenured friendships.
There is also something about being generous with what is sparse in the world. It is like this magic power, or rather some heavenly power, shared between us. You may not realize it, but generosity is even in the sharing of what is needed emotionally and mentally: It’s in the peace, love, joy, hope, harmony and grace we offer each other. If we want to be the cause of gratitude and generosity, we must reinforce the impact generosity plays in our congregation and beyond.
We as Wilshire have chosen to announce, seek, receive and bear witness to the kingdom of God in such unique and holy ways. It is through the people being completely open to discerning where the Spirit is moving, grabbing hold of it and moving with it. Wilshire’s mission continues to be “to become a bold witness to the way of Christ in our time” and “to build a community of faith shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” We will continue to embody both statements, which call us outside of our comfort zones and even these walls.
By giving, we are sharing what we have to accomplish our God-given mission — individually and collectively — in our congregation. Christian stewards, we align our lives and ministries with God’s intentions for God’s world. Consider how you can give to sustain and continue the work we are doing together.
—Tim