Tuesday, May 13

By Dianna Vanderkarr of Charlotte, Michigan, USA

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

—Matthew 5:14–16 NRSV

This spring in the Michigan USA/Canada Mission Center, we experienced an unusual number of emergencies with the families of staff members. As the mission center administrator for communications, I heard of each need and sent mass e-mails, seeking prayers for the families.

The responses astounded me. An overwhelming number of e-mails came back, wanting more information and expressing prayers that lifted the families to the healing light of God. They patiently awaited updates. They were genuine messages from the heart of the community.

This gave me a strong sense of what it means to be a signal community. I am happy to be part of the mission center and the international church that proclaims Jesus Christ, and promotes communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. I am blessed to be part of a community that not only promotes, but follows through.

Prayer for Peace

Loving God, help us highlight needs in our communities and around the world. Help us respond as disciples in communities that care. Help us keep the information flowing so all may know prayer needs—so all may know where to share Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Offering Blessings of Community

Receive and share Blessings of Community. Begin with a prayer of gratitude for the relationships in your life. See and feel connections with family members, spiritual friends, people in your congregation and community, and people and creatures in God’s sacred web of life. What blessings flow to you from these circles? How have you felt the love of the community?

Reflect, pray, or write in your journal about the call to be “Community of Christ.” Go deeper each day as you discover the acts of blessing you can share with stranger and friend alike.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will stay informed about the needs of others and respond.