Week 6: A Bread-filled Community

Introduction:

What would it look like to live in a community that assures that all have enough bread to eat? Where all are welcomed, whether friend or stranger? Where justice restores and renews with mercy and grace? Where spiritual hunger is eased along with physical hunger? Where Jesus, the Bread of Life, is known? Welcome to the Church!


The very first believers lived a breadbasket way of life in a bread-filled community. It’s hard to live the life-affirming, life-giving way of Jesus by ourselves. When we come together to share, to worship together in prayer and the Lord’s Supper, to grow glad and generous hearts together, we live a breadbasket way of life. When we do so, those around us witness the loving, generous heart of God. They too want to join us in our life-giving, bread-filled community.


Scripture:

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.    – Acts 2

Invitations:

  • Reflect on this week’s scripture. What words or phrases speak to you? Is there anything here that is uncomfortable for you?
  • What do you need to live a breadbasket way of life? List your needs. You could include your physical needs, more community, a more disciplined prayer life, some more gladness for your heart, etc. Be honest and gentle with yourself!
  • How might the bread-filled community of the church meet these needs? Check it out!
    Then find your bread.
  • Who do you know who needs some bread from this community? Share with them.

 

Prayer:

Jesus,

I want to live your life-affirming, life-giving way.

Thank you that I do not do this alone.

Thank you for community.

     Amen.