We are ONE

Pastor’s Post – October 2011

“We are ONE in the Spirit we are ONE in the Lord…” so goes the chorus by Peter Scholte written in 1966. It is a perfect song for this month which begins with World Communion Sunday on Oct. 2. We will share bread and cup communion knowing that Christians around the world are partaking of bread and cup either in a Love Feast, a worship service, or in the manner of their tradition. This concept of being ‘one’ got me digging around for my white wrist band by One.org they are a grassroots advocacy organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, by raising awareness and pressuring political leaders in all countries to support smart and effective policies and programs to save lives. This month you will hear more about organizations that work to make a difference such as

Global Food Crisis Fund – a ministry of the Church of the Brethren that feeds, gives microloans, and works to transform lives.

AFAC – Arlington Food Assistance Center which works locally to feed and sustain families with basic food supplies

Church World Service – who sponsors the CROP walk on Oct. 15 in Arlington and shares the funds raised between their work to feed globally and our local AFAC.

Bread For The World – an advocacy organization working to end hunger in our lifetime.

Fighting Poverty With Faith – the sponsors of this month’s “Food Stamp Challenge”

There are many ways to help transform the world into the ONE people we are created to be. Yet I can’t help but think that my attitude is the place to start. Each time I think of someone I disagree with as one-with-me, I take a step closer to being one in the Spirit with them. Even when I feel strongly opposed to their beliefs, positions and commitments, I am still ONE with them. If they are hungry and I have more than I should eat, how are we ONE? If they are advocating the death penalty and I am protesting it, how are we ONE? It is not as easy to live as ONE as it is to sing the song, and yet we are. – ONE. I think it takes constant reminding of the message of the song, “we are one in the Lord and we pray that all unity may one day be restored. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Perhaps the one band of ONE.org on my wrist will help me remember all month long that we ARE ONE in the Spirit and in the Lord.