Embracing Interconnectedness: Love as Our Call to Action

Today, we gathered as a community to remember and celebrate the deep interconnectedness that God has woven into our lives. Just as the sanctuary is filled with God’s presence when we come together, so too are our lives enriched and sustained by the bonds we share with one another. We reflected on the story of Francis Mason, whose simple act of hospitality—never letting anyone sit alone—reminds us that each person matters and that God’s love is made real through our care for each other.

Drawing from the imagery of the Pando Aspen Grove, we explored how, like those trees, we are all part of one living organism, interconnected at the roots. When one part suffers, the whole feels it; when one part thrives, all are strengthened. This is the vision Jesus prays for in John 17: that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one. Our unity is not about uniformity or perfection, but about a messy, beautiful oneness rooted in love—a love that is both our identity and our calling.

We considered the radical nature of this love through the story of Maggie Barankitse, who, in the face of unimaginable violence and loss, chose to respond with compassion, forgiveness, and the creation of a community where former enemies could live as one family. Her life is a testament to the power of love to heal, restore, and transform even the most broken situations. She reminds us that love is not passive; it is active, courageous, and always seeks the dignity and well-being of others.

This interconnectedness is not just a comforting thought—it is a call to action. We are invited into the divine dance of love, the perichoresis, where God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit move together in perfect relationship and invite us to join. As we live out this love, we become witnesses to the world that violence, hatred, and division do not have the final word. Instead, love wins. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to see every person as a beloved child of God, to refuse to demonize or hate, and to stand together in love, bearing witness to the truth that we are all one family.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True community is built on intentional acts of hospitality and presence. When we notice those who are alone and choose to sit with them, we embody God’s love in tangible ways. Our willingness to reach out, even in small gestures, affirms the worth of every person and reminds us that no one is meant to journey alone. [29:57]
• 2. The interconnectedness of God’s people mirrors the intricate root system of the aspen grove: unseen, complex, and essential for survival. When one member suffers, the whole body feels it; when one rejoices, all are uplifted. This mutual dependence is not always orderly or easy, but it is the very means by which we endure and thrive together. [45:32]
• 3. Jesus’ prayer for oneness is not a call to sameness, but to a unity that honors our uniqueness while binding us together in love. The divine relationship of the Trinity—Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—invites us into a circle dance where each person is distinct yet fully embraced. Our unity is a witness to the world of God’s love and glory, not because we are perfect, but because we are committed to loving as Jesus loves. [49:40]
• 4. Love is a radical, transformative force that refuses to let violence, hatred, or division have the last word. The story of Maggie Barankitse challenges us to respond to suffering and injustice not with despair or retaliation, but with courageous acts of compassion and reconciliation. Love is not weak or naive; it is the power that builds peace, restores dignity, and creates new possibilities for community. [57:25]
• 5. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live differently—to reject fear, to refuse to demonize others, and to see every person as a child of God. Our calling is to bear witness to the truth that we are all interconnected, and to actively participate in God’s ministry of healing and reconciliation. As we join the divine dance, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and love to a world in desperate need. [59:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:55] - Embracing Community and Hospitality
• [03:10] - The Power of Presence
• [05:45] - Announcements and Opportunities
• [08:20] - Turning to Prayer
• [29:57] - Guided Breathing and Centering
• [30:44] - Naming the World’s Pain
• [32:10] - The Broken Toe and Interconnectedness
• [45:32] - Lessons from the Aspen Grove
• [46:40] - Communication and Resilience in Nature
• [48:52] - Jesus’ Farewell Prayer for Oneness
• [49:40] - The Trinity as Divine Relationship
• [51:29] - The Purpose of Our Oneness
• [53:05] - Love as Our Identity
• [54:42] - Living Without Fear
• [55:25] - The Story of Maggie Barankitse
• [58:32] - Maison Shalom: Building a House of Peace
• [59:33] - Love’s Final Word and Our Call
• [69:49] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

John 17:20-23 (ESV) — “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Observation Questions

1. In John 17, what does Jesus pray for regarding his followers and those who will believe in him?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Pando Aspen Grove and how does it relate to our lives as a community? [45:32]
3. What simple act of hospitality did Francis Mason practice, and why was it meaningful? [00:55]
4. How did Maggie Barankitse respond to violence and loss in her community? [57:25]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus emphasize oneness in his prayer, and how is this different from everyone being the same? [49:40]
2. The sermon describes the aspen grove’s root system as “messy” but still interconnected. What might this suggest about real-life community and relationships? [46:40]
3. Maggie Barankitse chose to respond to violence with love and reconciliation. What does her story teach us about the power and cost of love in difficult situations? [57:25]
4. The pastor said, “Our unity is a witness to the world of God’s love and glory, not because we are perfect, but because we are committed to loving as Jesus loves.” What does this mean for how we live out our faith? [49:40]

Application Questions

1. Think about your daily life—at church, work, or home. When have you noticed someone sitting or standing alone? What is one small, intentional act of hospitality you could do this week to make someone feel seen and valued? [00:55]
2. The aspen grove survives because its roots are interconnected, sharing resources and support. Who in your life is struggling right now, and how can you “share your roots” with them—whether through time, encouragement, or practical help? [45:32]
3. Jesus prays for unity, not uniformity. Are there people in your life or church who are very different from you? How can you move toward deeper connection with them, even if you don’t always agree? [49:40]
4. Maggie Barankitse refused to let violence and hatred have the last word. Is there a situation in your life where you are tempted to respond with anger or withdrawal? What would it look like to choose love and reconciliation instead? [57:25]
5. The sermon talked about the “divine dance” of the Trinity and being invited into that relationship. What does it mean for you, personally, to join in that “dance” of love with God and others? [49:40]
6. The Holy Spirit empowers us to see every person as a child of God. Is there someone you struggle to see this way? What is one step you can take to change your perspective or actions toward them this week? [59:33]
7. The pastor shared a vision of Jesus saying, “You go and heal.” What is one area—big or small—where you feel called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community right now? [59:33]