Community
Saturday, September 30, 2006
By Gloria Jea at 5:28 PMActs 21
Ezekiel 11:19-20
Ephesians 4
“Community is a calling to serve, work and rest with others.” Bonhoeffer
Community can be defined in a numerous ways, lived out in different times and places, and if lived out with an ounce of God’s grace—it will change all part of the community. This word is over used and under analyzed and sometimes even underappreciated. It has lost its meaning to many, because the meaning is simply assumed. When asked to flush out this word and its meaning to our personal lives, the individuals of Mosaic were able to reflect on own experiences and begin dreaming what Mosaic community might look like this year.
Community is dynamic, changing, mysterious and a gift from God. It is group or circle or persons held together by a common interest and in this case it is a group people willing to engage in intentional conversations about antiracism and diversity. Community is a group that lives together that rejoices, loves, cares, trusts, respects one another and where people don’t have to fear. It is an environment that is supportive and understanding and patient. It is a safe place. Community is a living environment where people come together to support, uplift, encourage and learn from each other. A community is a place where ideas can be shared, opinions exposed, and truth revealed. Community is a place where we both influence, and are influenced by one another. it is a group of individual people each taking responsibility to explore and uplift the lives of every other person within the group. Community is a goal to strive for, a status to attain, and an experience to remember. Community ensures a net a people that won’t necessarily keep out the storms, but who will be there to shield you the best they can, and to help clean up once the sun shines again.
True community works like a family—where the greatest detractor is isolation. We are called as believers, to challenge each other, encourage each other and hold each other accountable. We need to have open communication, respect, open ears and hearts, understanding, and do not hide our joy, suffering, jubilation, or heartache from one another.
We’ve begun seeing community in action here on Mosaic: when a person walks into our lobby, they are greeted by everyone there and are immediately included in the on-going conversation, late night discussion, frequent floor dinners (and lunches), the push up bonding the guys do and the tea parties we have. We are starting relationships where we both share our own unique stories and listen to others.
Rooted in Christ this community’s purpose is to help us seek and love God… more. May we be a place where we are able to become more of the people God has called us to be.
This entry was written by all members of the Mosaic floor, from whom I’ve borrowed many thoughts.
Please share your thoughts on community.
October Rent!
By Gloria Jea at 5:28 PMDue Oct. 15
10 or 12 font. times or arial. one page. single spaced.
How have you become the person you are today? Write about beginnings of your story—where are you from? What is significant about your home town, tribe, city, country? Write about your family and your childhood.
Please share your journal once you’ve written it with two people who were in your bracelet group from the kickoff.
Food Night
By Liz Brush at 1:05 PMThanks to the culinary skills of floor members, Food Night was a scrumtuous success! Those of us who were inclined to baking, cooking, frying, etc., made dishes from all around the world to share with their floormates. Quesadillas, quacamole, pico de gallo, chicken curry, sushi, mutton stew, fudge, pavlova, kebabs, and spaghetti and meatballs were some of the delectable dishes we enjoyed. Not only was it delicious, but we learned about the different cultures that the food came from and what the dish means to our fellow Mosaicans. We even thought a little about why food plays such an important role in community and so closely reflects a culture. Food night was a great time of getting to know each other better as we enjoyed the yummy world cuisine!
Mosaic Kickoff
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
By Gloria Jea at 3:57 PMOn September 4th the members of the Mosaic community were awaken and branded with cool bracelets. Every year, the floor starts with a day retreat to get to know other residents on the floor and learn about what the floor is about-- the vision, the leadership and such. It’s usually a day of fun, games, but this year the leadership threw a twist… in hopes that all would be introduced to the other 60 some students but really get to know a smaller group. The rest of the day was spent with members with matching bracelets-- there was representation from the orange barb wire team to the blue checkers to the pink hearts.
With a great devotion about all being a part of a mosaic and a worship session, the day was underway. We laughed and learned about the awesome new band the PAs, our lovely RAs, and other key leadership for this floor. The morning was filled with high energy even though we were dragged out of bed at 7. Then, we played a few games to learn each other names, quick facts about the other 65 students, saw drawing abilities and then were sent out to find our lunches while really getting to know our groups. Yes, the twist this year was hidden lunches.
The afternoon was full of water fun. Overall it was a great day where God blessed us with sunshine and a lot of laughter. It was a great way to start the year.
pictures were taken by b.woelk