A long time ago, when I was in college, my friend and I were sitting around talking about junior high.  We had such different experiences that it was really quite startling.  We were at the same school at the same time.  We were both nice girls who wanted to make some friends.  I was the lucky one.  I played sports and was in band and choir.  I had lots of friends and for some reason or another was included and invited.

 My dear friend, who in so many ways like me, did not have many friends.  She was teased and excluded and not often invited.  We were in college when we had this discussion.  We were accomplished and successful and excited about the future.  She told me that day that she still had nightmares about junior high.  Her expression has been with me all of these later and if you had been there it would have made an impression on you too. 

I believe that the church is like a microcosm of junior high.  The church of Corinth so many years ago and our lovely church here.  Let’s look at the text and see what it has for us today.  1 Corinthians 11: 17-26.  The text speaks to us today.  We must look at what was happening in the church of Corinth, why it was important then and why it is important to us at Shepherd of the Hills.     

What was happening at the church of the Corinth?  There were divisions and differences between the church members.  Not terribly surprising or different.  One thing that was different than our tradition is the experience of agape feats.  These were like potlucks hosted by a church member where they celebrated the Lord’s Supper.  The wealthy congregation members hosted these parties and their rich friends came first.  The poorer members came after their work day and were met with drunken co-worshippers and leftovers at best.  Paul is not frustrated with the rich and feeling sorry for the poor.  Paul’s concern and focus is that the believers love each other as much as they love the Lord. 

Why is this so important to Paul?  There was a different understanding of the covenant of fellowship.  For them, a potluck and breaking of bread together was more than just a good casserole.  It meant a promised relationship that continued after the meal was finished.  When you had someone into your home, you promised to feed them and give them what they need as well as protect them.  This potluck signified a promised community or a promised family. 

So there is this idea of a fellowship that is so different.  Also, one of the great gifts for us as a body of believers is that the old story of Jesus becomes the story of the teller.  When the people of Corinth remember and tell the story of Jesus, it become their story.  We remember from the text that Jesus tells us of his body broken and the cup of the covenant.  This truth crosses all boundaries of time, space, geography, race, gender, and social class. 

In the same  way that the story of Jesus becomes the story of Corinth as they remember it, when we remember and tell the story of Jesus, it becomes our story.  We become part of the lineage of believers.  We become part of this history of faith.  Verse 26 challenges us to “proclaim” His death until He returns.  Proclaim means preach and that is important.  But Paul’s broader sense is to live our lives fully in Christ and to make our faith fully known so that we might impact every person for Jesus Christ. 

 We are like one chaotic family.  We don’t always agree.  We don’t always like each other.  We don’t always see eye to eye.  But we are always a family and we must involve everyone.  Everyone is important and valuable to this church and to God.  Let’s see how one familiar family handles the issue of including everyone. 

Clip from Cheaper by the Dozen

I don’t expect us to be perfect, but I want us to be better.  I don’t want anymore Marks or my friend with the nightmares to happen.  The church should be a safe place where all are welcome and feel valued and appreciated and included.  We should love each other as much as we love the Lord.  So my questions for you are “Do you want to chase after those who don’t feel loved?”   “Do you really want to love?”