I was preparing a liturgy for my congregation; words and passages from scripture that would lead them into the sacrament of Bread and Cup. It’s a very different thing to know if the words you have prepared will invite people to partake, alone, in isolation. And yet, this is something we do together, this is something, or someone, we share in common. Which is why one of the passages I included in the liturgy was from the book of Acts:
“The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
The beautiful mystery that is the sacrament of Bread and Cup is what brings and binds us together. Jesus Christ is our food, our fuel, because this holy sacrament is what equips us and calls us to mission. By his communion we are united, we partake of his body, together, so that we might become the Body of Christ throughout the world. Just as he poured himself out for us, so too, we shall pour ourselves out for others. This is mystery and mission.
No matter how much distance might separate us, or what time zone we might be in, or where we might find ourselves around the world, when we share Christ in common, we are united by and for his mission. Which is why, in this season of isolation, your Intercultural Engagement Team (IET) is continuing to come alongside congregations and provide resources for pastors and leaders, because we know God is continuing to reach around the world through you.
Now more than ever, is when we need to have a global-perspective, a God-perspective, on what it means to be the Body of Christ. And one of the primary ways this perspective is possible is through the practice of Global Partnerships. Right now, we have brothers and sisters, pastors and leaders and congregations, in Ghana, in Sri Lanka, and as of this year, in India, who need your support. Through the IET you can reach out in relationship and support the work of the local church in these regions. When you do, not only are you helping these faithful followers of Jesus meet wholistic needs, but you are equipping and encouraging them to bear witness and make disciples. When we share Christ in common, we are beautifully and mysteriously united in mission, both here at home and all around the world.
If you’d like learn more about our Global Partnerships please contact us. You can find introductory information on the FMCIC website under Intercultural Missions, and if you’d like to receive weekly content please be sure to join our Facebook Group.
Adam Kline | Intercultural Engagement Team
[email protected]
