Exploring Christian unity

Minister Sharon McRann

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. “In 1908 at Graymoor in Garrison, New York, the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement held the first Church Unity Octave and have prayed for Christian unity, “without ceasing,” ever since. Today, Christians around the world celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity together. Last week we celebrated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity here in High Prairie in keeping with the desire to encourage peace and unity among the Christian churches. Church history shows us, unfortunately, Christian unity has not always been the case and indeed some of the same struggles are being dealt with today. I would like to say to all Christians it is very important we set things right. If we are continually at odds with one another, then how can we possibly show the importance of spreading God’s love to the world? How can we be Christ’s body in the world when we find it hard to love one another? What creates dissension among us? From time immemorial Christians have had differing thoughts on religion and the Bible. They’ve struggled with what is true ... or correct. They’ve struggled with questions such as, ‘Is the Bible the only, inerrant word of God?’ or ‘Does the Bible say anything about this world issue or that ethical dilemma?’ Often, the questioners come away with differing answers depending on how they stand on the issue. Some say those who aren’t literalists are not Christian. For those who cannot believe literally that hurts. They may not take the Bible literally, but the Bible is still their guide for living. They derive “truth” from the Bible. Christ is the one they follow and try to shape their lives after. Sometimes they get it right ... sometimes they make mistakes ... just like literal thinkers do. If we could all accept each other for who we are on this journey of faith, we would have true Christian unity. I believe we would be living the commandment to “love” in a way we seem to have missed in the past. Jesus said, “And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34) The churches of High Prairie are sponsoring an Alpha course to be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, beginning Jan. 30, with a supper. The first session will be Feb. 13. This course offers an opportunity to explore the meaning of life and the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over 10 thought-provoking weekly sessions. It is a low-key, friendly and fun event that is supported by all the main Christian denominations. This program is for anyone, but is focused more intently on those who have little or no Christian background. The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith. Call Pat Henderson at 536-0109 after 6 p.m. or Mona Moore at 523-5427 for more information. High Prairie United Church is offering a workshop called ‘Living the Questions’ every second Thursday. The next one is Feb. 7. This is a workshop for seekers who are convinced there is more to Christianity and the Bible than literal truth. With a concern for those who have quit coming to church or who have given up on religion due to struggles with the literal word or with having their questions ignored or silenced, Living the Questions can help people explore what a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world. This is an open-minded study that strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring the faith. Call Rev. Sharon McRann at 523-3669 for more information. Choose the workshop that best suits your needs and the place that you find yourself on your journey of faith. Pray for Christian unity in the town of High Prairie and in the world. Most importantly, love one another ... respect one another and one another’s way of knowing God. Strive for the peace that passeth understanding. And in the words of Tiny Tim, :May God bless us, one and all.”