By Thomas Wagner of Augsburg, Germany
For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
In March, we young adults (Markus, Philipp, Noah, and Thomas) had the opportunity to lead a church service. In an intimate atmosphere, we formed a circle at the beginning of the devotional time and created a “net of community” together—a symbol of our connectedness.
The process was simple and yet so profound: Each of us was invited to throw a piece of wool yarn from person to person. With each throw, persons shared a special experience with the receiving person or highlighted a unique character trait. Piece by piece, an elaborate web was woven, weaving the individual threads into an impressive whole.
After our net was completed, I said a prayer: “Thank you for bringing us together and connecting us today. Just as we have just formed a web of fellowship out of wool, you also have woven us together in your love and grace. Each individual thread symbolizes our individual strengths, qualities, and gifts that you have given us. May this web of community always remind us that we are strong together when we stay connected in love and unity.”
This was followed by an inspiring role play in which different perspectives on community life in a Christian congregation were examined. A church leader, a new member, and a committed member contributed different perspectives and arguments.
At the end, we came up with concrete ideas such as joint games evenings and excursions into nature. The role playing provided us with ideas that motivated us to become even more active in shaping the community we live in.
Overall, it was an all-round successful Communion service, characterized by the active involvement of all members. I will remember this day fondly for a long time to come.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.