What does it mean to be a neighbour?
Our church vision statement states that Breslau Mennonite Church (BMC) strives to be a welcoming community of faith and worship, supporting each other as we learn and grow, extending Christ’s love, peace, and justice with our community, with the world. What does it mean for the church, our church, for you and me to be welcoming?
A kind friend, compassionate healer, and wise teacher, Jesus said: Love the Lord your God with heart, soul, mind, strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.
It is not only about seeing others as a neighbour, it is about being the neighbour we would like to meet. How would it be if we, as a country or political parties, as an individual or a community of faith became the neighbour we would like to meet?
In mid August, we welcomed many children and their families from the Breslau area and beyond to share in our church Summer Camp. It is a wonderful opportunity for God’s love to flow through us in words shared, caring actions, fun and laughter. Our church Missions Committee will soon launch and invite our contributions to the Food Bank. Another occasion to be neighbourly, extending love, peace, and justice with our community.
Yet in these times of refugee crisis, economic uncertainty, gun violence, bullying in schools and workplaces we may be tempted to pull in and protect ourselves. But the Gospel reminds us that we must never forget to love God and our neighbour as ourselves. How would it be if we became even more the neighbour we would like to meet?
Pastor Eleanor Epp-Stobbe
