October 27 Home Communicator- I remember vividly the time years ago that I gave a random stranger a “high five” in the Aldi parking lot. It was a particularly hectic morning with my four children—aged 4, 3, and newborn twins—and I was attempting to load my overflowing cart of groceries in my van while also trying desperately to both corral and comfort my 4 kids, all of whom were in various stages of crying, whining, or running away. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught that the mom next to me was in the same situation: boatload of groceries and boatload of small crying children. After what seemed like an eternity, both of our vans were loaded, and all the kids corralled in their car seats buckled for the ride home. Our mission was complete. Wordlessly, the mom and I returned our carts side by side, caught each other’s eye and gave each other a huge high five before getting into our different vehicles. We had found community in the Aldi parking lot.
The meaning of the word community can be broken down to mean “common unity” or a place of common ground that promotes a sense of unity–something bigger than ourselves per the design and intention of the Father. Not only were we designed to be in community with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through personal relationship, but also in community with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and in common unity of mission to promote the kingdom of God and make disciples.
At Hudsonville Christian School, we have been giving each other “high fives” of common unity in mission for over 100 years. It is how our school was formed, why it exists now, and how it has been able to continue. We are a community devoted to Christ and raising His children in the Lord. A community believing that no matter the circumstance, God will move and work in our children through Christ-centered education. A community committed to meeting the needs of families and the school so that this mission can continue for all.
In a world tempting us to focus on our differences, we remain a community committed to common unity in Christ for this and the next generation. Many Members. Many Functions. One Body…in Common Unity.
High Five,
Rachel Landstra, Mission Advancement
