Dictionary.com says that an ecclesiastical community is a group of men and women leading a common life according to a rule. At Commons Church, I've found community among a group of men and women living life according to the rule of grace.
Sometimes, for me, community is knowing that when I get in a bind, I am expected to call on a Commoner for help. Help me pack my home. Help me move my stuff. Feed the cat when I'm away. Pick me up from the airport. Attend an event at work to support me. Serve with me. Host a community group for me. Fix a meal when I'm sick. Run an errand with me. Paint my kitchen. Lend me your car. Throw me a party. Water my yard. Change my flat tire. We even have a Twitter hash tag for such occasions, #commonschurchfun. If the Rangers stunning defeat the night we went to the game taught me anything, it was that Commoners simply love being together, even if the setting is a humid Wednesday night at the ballpark with a storm rolling in and the home team down by 17 runs. There is fun to be had, and there are memories to be made.
On a more serious note, the rule of grace in this community shines brightest when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable. Walking through year two together, we're getting to know one another better. We're daring to trust one another with our struggles and the truths we wish were false. And, there is grace. There is a shared understanding. None of us is without faults. All of us stand in need of the grace of our Savior and therefore, have the joy of extending grace to our neighbors. This is our common life, our shared rule. Grace.
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