Better Together
A priest, a rabbi, and a pastor walk into a …. sorry folks, not a bar. Every other month, area clergy gather at one of our local congregations to catch up and explore meaningful ways to serve our community together. The La Grange Area Minister’s Association (LAMA) was formed years ago to foster a spirit of support among congregations and clergy in our community. Over the years, LAMA has supported travelers on their way, brought the community together for worship, and organized immediate response in the wake of natural disasters.
We don’t all confess the same creeds or uphold the same doctrines, but we do believe in God’s call to serve our neighbor. And often, we can do more together than we could ever hope to do alone. Some of this collaborative work happens every week through AMEN Food Pantry, Second Chance Emporium, and the Good Shepherd Fund for travelers. All of these are made possible through the collaborative effort of our local congregations.
The Apostle Paul calls the early church in Corinth the Body of Christ, united with one another and with all followers of Jesus. Paul writes, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Contemporary Christians also make up the Body of Christ – within our congregations and across denominations. When one of us suffers, we suffer together. When one of us rejoices, we rejoice together. Together, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. We are better together.
Soon, we will have another opportunity to work together through a community-wide day of service. Our local clergy and congregations are working together to identify urgent needs in our community that match the skills and resources of our people. Look for more information to come, including dates, projects, and other logistics.
Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Jesus knew that even his followers would disagree. Jesus knew that our human instinct might lead to division rather than unity. So Jesus gave this new commandment, that we love one another.And in our love for one another, the love of Christ is revealed.