“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
As I think about the communities I have been a part of over the years, I found the retreats I attended to be the most profound. The Massachusetts Conference offered retreats at Craigville Beach on Cape Cod and Geneva Point in New Hampshire. There was no one I knew, just people looking to share a weekend and the topic for discussion. The bond and rich discussions we had were deep. These experiences were brief and enrichening. The Edwards Church retreats, in Groton, were a time to worship and get to know others in a different setting.
Jesus had a community of twelve disciples. They traveled and met people in different communities. We do not know how they interacted acted with one another or the people they met. I am sure there were arguments and laughter. Jesus was preparing them to take over. After his death the community, now down to eleven, disbanded and went out to spread the Gospel.
Communities may come and go but the memories are there. I am feeling blessed by the communities of the past and present.
Thank you, God.
–Janet Sanders