How do you fund a vision of generous community?
In 2017, SouthWest adopted a vision: We provide a table where all are welcome, with food for body, mind and spirit. Nous procurons une table où chacun trouve de la nourriture pour le corps, l’âme et l’esprit; une table où tous sont les bienvenus.
It was the culmination of many years since SouthWest was renamed in 2007, as both a Community of faith and a generous presence to our neighbours.
Community, what a powerful feeling. That sense of belonging, living with brothers and sisters through the highs and lows, the pain and joys, through all the seasons of life. It is a powerful thing to be loved unconditionally and to know that you are not alone. My faith affirms that God is with us always, in the fabric of our lives and relationships. When I live this faith with others it seeks to accompany, walk alongside of, to serve.
After the resurrection of Jesus his disciples began expressing their belief that he was alive in their midst and continuing his vision of incarnated love in their witness and service to the needs of people around them. They were acknowledged because of their generous care and community involvement and many were won to their cause.
Hear this story from the book of Acts (2: 42-47, NIV).
Jesus' followers...”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 favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number...”
The commitment of the early disciples to have everything in common enabled them to meet the needs of their neighbours. It is a good thing in changing times to have a vision and to express it in action. It is a big commitment to live as Jesus did in community of faith and among our neighbourhoods.
SouthWest has the challenge of how to fund our vision of a table for all with food that nurtures the body mind and spirit. We are both a worshipping community (church) and a community service provider (mission). Both are about Community!!
As a community of faith that is engaged in the needs of our neighbours we need to enlarge our donor base and to find new sources of revenues to provision the tables of hospitality.
Let’s find the way of speaking about money and fundraising so that we can continue serving.
Let’s live in this journey together.
Let’s share what we have for a common good.
And in so doing be a place of belonging for all.
Thanks be to God.
Amen.
Rev. David