Wise Words With... 

The way of community: learning, growing, and flourishing together

One of NCS's three anchors is community. Being a part of a community involves recognising that it is an environment where its members can contribute, flourish and mature. Communities form around shared values. 

To live as a community, each member learns to show kindness, exhibit respect, and express gratitude toward one another. We learn to exercise self-control as we allow for the needs and foibles of others. We also develop perseverance and humility to overcome differences and communicate effectively to achieve community goals.

I remember this well from my first career as a landscaper. The goal of a landscaping job usually involves creating a beautiful garden and outdoor living area to the client's specifications. I learnt that one person could do only so much. The work was completed quickly and efficiently when a team was involved. 

Over the last few weeks, various goals have been made and achieved through working as a community. In primary school, Years 3, 5, and 6 presented assemblies. Each week, small communities within our school work towards shared goals. Instrumental groups and school ensembles regularly practice in preparation for the Shoalhaven Eisteddfod. Drama groups are working to produce thought-provoking and entertaining performances. Chess and various sporting teams are working towards competitions.

Seeing the school community work together at the recent cross country was terrific. It was only possible due to a team effort involving staff, ground staff and secondary students. The presence of parents and family members created a carnival atmosphere in which our students could compete.

Community is a nice idea, but the reality can be challenging. For example, people don't always communicate respectfully; we are prone to act selfishly and lack humility. We can tend towards unkindness in our words and actions. We may even conclude that community is too hard! It has never been easier to do so: the internet and endless streaming services make it easy to withdraw or to find an online community that understands me and my needs. 

At Easter, we remember that God so loved the world that he came to us. Christians believe that Jesus is God living among us. He didn't consider himself too good for us. God saw a very big and broken community: creation. 

Instead of wiping the slate clean and creating a new, perfect world, Jesus lives in the messiness of community, calling us to follow him. In doing so, he suffers all sorts of cruelty and selfishness. But, he forgives, doesn't condemn and invites people to turn from their ways, join his community and learn a 'new' way. In fact, the first Christian communities (churches) were called followers of 'The Way' (Acts 9:2). 

We all value community; however, our behaviour often undermines its benefits. Jesus provides the 'way' forward. It involves recognising our fallenness, seeking God’s forgiveness, and cleansing through Jesus. Finally, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit through Christ's community (the Christian church), we can begin to practice walking in the new ‘way’ of life and peace.

Do you have questions about this? Easter is a perfect time to start finding answers. Come along to our 321 course starting on the 7th of May. Join us for this week's Easter Assembly. There are also many churches in the Shoalhaven where you can hear more.