I have been reading a book recently by David Janzen called The Intentional Christian Community Handbook; for Idealists, Hypocrites, and Wannabe Disciples of Jesus. It speaks of the driving force that draws people into a search for meaning, significance and transformation.
In my journey within the Christian community, it is God inspired, life affirming, focused on service to others and personally engaging (not an exhaustive list). When one or more of these qualities is found to be missing, it tends to lead to a diminished form of individualism, turning away from community, opting for a tendency toward cliques.
This was the sense I got as I read the Optimist's Community Comment of July 16 regarding putting the "fun" in funerals. While I agree that the changing social trend is a reality and I don't need to safeguard any religious claim on the territory, a certain sadness settled on me.
In moments like this it is helpful for me to return to thoughtful people who have influenced societal change not only through words and ideas but also by intentional actions.
"One of the marvellous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing." - Jean Vanier, Community And Growth
