The last time I used the phrase ‘we’re all in this together’ was to try to inspire some compassion during a global pandemic. Things were strange and we were disconnected. There were arguments and objections flying like weapons, and folks were generally on their last nerve. Reminding people of a shared goal- and shared anxieties- was necessary, but not always successful.

So I apologize if the title of this message triggers any bad memories. The thing is, the notion of a shared experience – shared obligations and responsibilities – is at the heart of Jesus’ message. Cooperation has been the goal since God coaxed Noah into the ark.

God’s messengers down the years have been quick to remind us that God is ‘part of our team’ – that with God on our side, we have nothing to fear. But that hasn’t stopped us being afraid. Pronouncements such as those offered in Isaiah 43 sound like a great idea, but they are difficult to bring to life. It is usually easier to understand our isolation – our uphill struggle against what is wicked or dangerous; dark and depressing. Isaiah would have us look forward with hope – even against the greatest of odds. But Jesus offers a different approach.

Yes, Jesus is God’s messenger. But his approach is collective AND personal at the same time. Broad generalities that have pointed, personal applications. He states the obvious: a lamp is meant to bring light (not to be hidden.) you will get what you are prepared to give (another phrase we’ve turned around, to our shame – We say ‘give as good as you get. Jesus says you will get what you give.)

Jesus knows of the world’s darkness, and he understands that light is the antidote – and the more light you have, the less you need fear the darkness. The math on this is simple. And while Mark’s gospel doesn’t say ‘let your little light shine,’ that is Jesus’ expectation.

Gifts grow in the sharing – whether light, or love, or the shared work that builds communities out of randomly gathered individuals. Gifts build on one another – collected, focused light shines brighter and further. The more you offer, the more you have.

And those gifts need not be substantial on their own. Jesus speaks of mustard seeds… but let me tell you about carrots.

Carrot seeds are miserably small. I have never successfully planted neat, straight rows of carrots – not in 30 years of trying. The seeds are too small to manage – they fall to the ground in unruly clumps. They are hard to see in the dirt. So this spring I planted an entire packet of seeds in an 8×10 inch square patch of the garden. I sprinkled them around and raked over the dirt and walked away. They got water and sunlight and no help from me. And last night, we ate carrots.

They grew ‘shoulder to shoulder’ they looked a right mess in the ground. But they crowded out the weeds. They defied my neglect. They rewarded us with what might be five or six meals that will feature carrots as a side dish this tiny seed did produce the largest plant, but together they did offer unexpected abundance (at least they defied our expectations) This ‘mustard-seed moment’ helped me to see Jesus’ parable with a little more clarity. Small things have big consequences – more so when they are working together.

The collective work that this congregation has offered over the se last 176 years is proof of that. Gifts of all kinds – gifts of every shape and size – have been united in a common purpose – for the good of the community and for the glory of God.

Collectively, we have gathered and prayed; worshipped and worked; laughed and cried. Together we have tried to honour God who – as Isaiah reminds us – has called us by name. Together we are doing our best to follow Jesus. And if it was just us – just here, that would be enough. 176 years of caring and sharing. 176 years of praise and prayers. It would be enough – but of course, that’s not all.

For we are part of a movement. Followers of Jesus and children of God – in congregations large and small – each living into Jesus’ invitation in their own way. Each seeking justice and mercy and love and grace. The Presbyterian Church in Canada is not the largest of the denominations – we have a colourful and sometimes controversial history. We have made mistakes and repented of them.

But we have also managed to share in the wider mission of mercy, justice, peace and love that all who follow Jesus are called into. And Presbyterian Sharing is a part of how we live that into reality.

The PCC is 780 congregations with 102,000 members and adherents – 1254 ministers and 11,000 children and youth who combine to offer our witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Of the $11.5 million dollars given in support of the various ministries of the PCC, nearly half of that – 5.3 million dollars – was given to Presbyterians Sharing.  This represents the shared efforts and generosity of the collected congregations – from the largest to the smallest – all working together to shine the light of God’s love on our communities, and around the world. Presbyterians Sharing equips staff and volunteers to work on national and international programs, provides space and financial management for various agencies of the church (PWS&D, Women’s missionary society and the PC building Corp). Gifts to Presbyterian Sharing help congregations navigate challenging times and support theological colleges and conferences. Grants help launch new faith communities and renew established congregations. All of this helps the church follow where the Holy Spirit is leading.

This is a project that brings Jesus’ parable to life. Together, every effort is multiplied – our shared light penetrates the darkness more effectively. It turns out there is no gift too small – no effort that cannot make a difference…especially when we remember that we are working toward a common goal.

We seek a world where justice and love prevail. We seek that peace that Jesus promised. We long for God’s reign of mercy and joy. And together, we can bring that kingdom closer.