The Purpose of Community

          Community is an interesting word. It is most of all a nurturing word which brings to mind a gathering of peoples. Now these peoples do not have to be similar to each, to agree with each other, or to even like each other, but they are still in a relationship together.

          This relationship may be purely physical. A community such as the Village of Burlington serves as an example. When we think of the Village of Burlington, what do we see in our minds eye? Maybe the village green or the library or the post office. Maybe the ballfields or the high school. Maybe the new Shaws or the Dunkin' Donuts. All of these places are usually bustling with people who share in the events, services or activities that occur therein. Are these the places where we feel most comfortable and can obtain what we want and need? Is this the extent of community?

          The community relationship may be more personal. We each have a community of friend and family. These are the people we bring around ourselves for many various reasons. They may be folks we turn to with troubles and concerns. They are usually folks with whom we share good times, activities, meals and laughter. These friends and family "are there for us" and accept us as we are - or at least they do most of the time. Again, one may ask, is this the extent of community?

          The community relationship may be more enveloping. As part of the community of the church and the community of believers in Christ, we seek to have things revealed to us. We seek new ways to understand God's truths and to achieve charity and peace. Within the community of the church, we definitely expect God to "be there for us". We also hope that our Christian brothers and sisters will accept our imperfections, listen to our worries, and support us in times of doubt and despair.

          From a personal standpoint, I would like to say that this community of believers here at Burlington Presbyterian Church fulfills my expectations of a truly welcoming community. During the summer as we worked together to provide worship experiences for all, there was truly a communal sense of accomplishment as weeks went by. Folks filled in and things came together. People were concerned about each other - about the caretakers as well as about those with needs. Words of thanks and encouraging comments about the sermons were clearly shared with visiting preachers and lay ministers. We were a welcoming congregation; we were truly a nurturing community. And it was good.

          Within our community with the Holy Spirit, we ask not for groceries or a Coolata; we ask not for a good hand of cards; but we ask for what God knows we need. Thanks be to God for the community of Burlington Presbyterian Church. For what we share together here both physically and spiritually, we can be truly thankful. And for the path that lies before us now, I pray that it will be God's will that this community will continue to be a sanctuary and a nurturing place for all who enter within. Let us continue to work, plan, sing, give thanks, and share together in both the tasks and the fruits of the work of the church.

Millie Wiegand
Deacon Moderator