Joy in Community

[00:00:09] Speaker A: Well, hello Collective Table Podcast. Our scripture reading for today is Nehemiah 8:10. Nehemiah said, Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Today we are beginning our time of reflecting on joy. This scripture tells us of a time when the Israelites rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem, destroyed by war. At this time in history, walls were vital to cities because they created boundaries that kept towns safe. Once the work was finished, all of the people were able to come together in the main square and safely hear the sacred text read. Many in attendance had never heard Moses words and were overcome with sadness over the failings of humanity. We see in this verse that Nehemiah reminded the people to be joyful. This one day event turned into a seven day party that looked like a huge camping trip where everyone built temporary shelters and spent time together in safety and community. People of the Jewish faith still celebrate this festival called Sukkot. I'm wondering if some of you listening are in a season of rebuilding yourselves. Maybe you are finding it difficult to reconnect with others after the isolation of the pandemic. Perhaps a faith shift has made community feel foreign or the polarizing election season has left you weary and you are running back into solitude. This scripture reminds us that joy often flourishes in the presence of others, especially when we gather in the safety of good boundaries. Simple time together while cooking, singing, reading, telling stories. These things can put you smack dab in the middle of joy. For your practice today, go outside and take a look at a sunrise, a sunset, and if you can, invite a friend to come along. Talk about the simple joys that you enjoy. Will you pray with me? Creator of Goodness? Help us find joy in community. Sometimes we find that hard to do. Bring forward community that feels safe and boundaried and a place where we can be ourselves. Help us God, to rebuild relationships of love and a belonging not just for ourselves, but for others around us. Amen. [00:03:25] Speaker B: Hi Collective Table this season of giving is the perfect time to support meaningful conversations around progressive Christian faith. So if you've been enjoying the Collective Table podcast, we would be so grateful if you could just take a moment to make sure that you're subscribed on the platforms that you listen. Or you could give us a rating or even share an episode with a friend. Your support goes a long way in helping us to share inclusive and inspiring Christian spirituality with more people who are looking for hope and deeper connection. So thank you for being part of this community. And we couldn't do it without.