That is what marriages and anniversaries are about. Could there be a more meaningful partnership than one based on a loving, life-commitment of a man and a woman. Through the summer I have had opportunity to celebrate some new partnerships? A relationship in which two individuals share their love and care, combining the diversity of their gifts, makes the sum of the parts much greater than its whole. Partnership enriches life.
This is true in contexts other than marriage also. Businesses with similar interests but different specialties can often combine their efforts in a way that creates more effective solutions than either could have developed on their own.
Shared ministry between Augustana and St Timothy’s also shows us a way to be more than each of us could be on our own. This partnership is an opportunity to grow through our experience and pool our diverse gifts for a common mission. Each congregation maintains its identity and tradition but recognizes the benefits of sharing and cooperation.
Such partnership is nothing new. Preparing to recognize September 26, as Canadian Lutheran World Relief Sunday, Brian Lorch wrote, “As Christians we acknowledge that we do not undertake this work alone, but rather as human instruments active in God’s divine plan for a redeemed creation. As a Lutheran in Canada you share in an incredible legacy of caring. For more than 64 years, you have helped communities build capacity for sustainable development by providing access to safe water, basic health care services and education. The impact of your care is far reaching: from people in refugee camps receiving We Care kits and quilts to young Palestinians receiving vocational training to farmers in Mozambique reaping the rewards of a newly created irrigation system.”
Our little contributions carried out through humble actions in Saskatoon ripple around the world when partnered with the efforts of others and connected to the global web of people who care. Responding to earthquakes and floods, our compassion is felt in ways which we can only imagine. We may grow tired of responding to one crisis after another. But when there is a need it is only natural to respond in the love of the gospel.
Partnerships add joy to life and make our efforts more effective. We celebrate partnerships in our lives which are built on mutual love and commitment, a desire to share one’s gifts and build up the other for the greater good.
I pray for the individuals who have pledged to live in the committed partnership of a lasting relationship. I rejoice in the mutual joy of our congregations joined in supporting each other’s mission. I give thanks for the international cooperation of agencies like CLWR and the Lutheran World Federation along with ecumenical partners who seek to do the most good by sharing our resources in times of need.
May God Bless and Prosper our work, especially as we join efforts with others in the name of Christ.
Peace, Pastor David
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