Writings

I reflect about the ways Koinonia has changed in its first 78 years and wonder about how it will change in its next 78. I’m comforted by the thought that some things will remain the same. We’ll still be telling stories and I’d be surprised if we aren’t still offering welcome to all — hospitality has been central from the beginning.

Just like Mamaw’s bell, the Koinonia bell is nothing special in and of itself, but when we hear it and choose to recenter on Christ, then special things start to happen inside of us.

If there is still a Koinonia, I have to think Clarence would want us standing at the door to welcome the people Jesus is bringing home to us or would want us going out into the countryside to find them. There is still a Koinonia and we still are.

Fall is different at Koinonia. In the fall, we come together in a focused, intentional way. … This time of year, the bakery serves as a constant reminder that we all must work together to sustain the community.

Even just before I started writing this in fact I met one of the members walking across campus and when I greeted her she got got a huge smile on her face like something was funny, but not funny enough to laugh. I asked her what was funny, and she replied, “Nothing. I am just so glad you have arrived and are here,” and I think I am finally starting to hear what it really means.