 I've been in several conversations recently where the subject has been community. And so I ask, what is community? Please indulge my stream of consciousness as I come up with more questions than answers! Is it church? A supplement to parish life? A replacement for parish life? Is it family? Are members there for each other not just in life's greatest moments but also in the doldrums? Is it more than prayer and faith sharing? Is it mission driven and outwardly focused? Is it possible to be community across the miles? How? Are there mutual expectations? Are they articulated? Are members accountable to one another? Should they be? How? Do members go the extra mile for one another? Is it a group of friends? More than friends? What if some members aren't friends? Is there a desire to be part of one another's lives outside of group gatherings? What does it mean to be in more than one community? For self and for each of the communities? Who's the first person you tell when something significant happens in your life? Where do you go when you need help or advice? Is community a place where you can be vulnerable? Be yourself? Let your guard down? Be accepted for who you are? Is it a place for challenge? For learning about God, self and others? A place for sharing? A place for reciprocity? I could continue but hopefully your wheels are turning with your own answers or maybe even with more questions. Perhaps there are easy answers. Perhaps you or your community are struggling with some of the same questions. If we can be of help please let us know. Perhaps we can direct you to some resources or to others who have asked the same questions. For starters, check out the Resources on our website. A couple articles are featured below but the list on the website is much more comprehensive. In this season where gratitude is aplenty, let us be grateful for one another and for the fact that we are on this journey together! Peace and Love,
Matt Dunn
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