Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?  It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stand where it gives light to all in the house.  Just so, your light must shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.

 How do you define a community?  Websters Dictionary says that a community is a unified body of individuals.  This is an excellent definition of our parish family and of those hosting this renewal weekend.  We are part of Christ’s family, his brothers and sisters, we were unified with him when we were baptized and our sins were forgiven.  There are some examples of a Christian community that I would like to share with you.

 Ephesians 4:1-6  I then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:  one body and one spirit as you were also called to the one hope of your call;  One Lord, one Faith, One Baptism;  One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all

 In my lifetime I have seen many great examples of a Christian community.  The first example was in January of 2006, at the time of my mothers death.  I remember Fr. Simon coming and leading us in a short prayer service before the doors were opened to the public for the visitation.   I was also impressed by the many parishioners who stopped by to pay their respects, many did not know mom but knew me through the various activities I was involved in at the parish.

 In 2003 I moved up to Hazelwood to be closer to work, but kept driving the distance to Queen of All Saints because of the many connections and the feel of community that I get here, I moved back in 2005 when my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer.

 Acts 2: 42-47 they devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.  Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  All who believed were together and had all things in commonAwe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.  Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes.  They ate their meals with exhaltation and sincerity of heart, Praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.  And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

 One thing I love is about our parish community is that there are so many organizations and ministries that you can get involved in.  I am a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Choir member, and I am also involved in the Variety Guild as well as serving on the Continuation committee for the CRHP Process.  When I was younger I was a server as well.  So as you can see, I am very involved in the life of our parish.  If you do nothing but sit at home you are missing out on a great opportunity to serve the Lord, and make new friends also.  I realized this during high school when I was not as involved as I could have been.  I have met many people I would have never known had it not been for the many activities offered.  They are there to truly help to make Queen of All Saints a vibrant parish community.

 One organization that I belong to is the Knights of Columbus, I had always thought that this was a group for men a lot older in age than I was.  Boy was I wrong, although I may be one of the younger members of the group; I am heavily involved in out council’s activities and good works.  Our council does a lot of good for the community as well as the parish.

 I would like to let you know how the parish has reached out to our family when needed through our pastoral care program.  In 1996 my mother became ill and was admitted to the hospital.  Ministers from pastoral care visited her regularly although she did not know it (she was in a coma).  We also received meals through the parish.  This ministry has benefited us several times since then when one of my parents were hospitalized.  Pastoral care was also there for us when we had deaths in the family.  The cards they have sent truly brightened our day and they are a great group of people and a true blessing to the parish

 Acts 4:32-35 the community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.  With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.  There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or homes would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
 

I belong to a couple of online ministries called Christians meeting Christians and GODS ABOUNDING LOVE.  One of the things I love about these ministries is the sense of community we all love the Lord there, and if someone is hurting or need prayer, we always join together and pray for those who need it.  We also do a bible study in Gods Abounding Love.  I have been truly blessed by being involved with these ministries and serving the Lord as well as those who need someone to talk too.
 In closing, I would just stress how important it is to give your talents to the Lord, he will award you for their use in many unique ways.  For those of us who cannot afford to give much of our treasure, this is a perfect opportunity to make up for it by using your time and talents to glorify the Lord by serving him.
Thank You