We Need Each Other – The Necessity of Community

Part of my job as the Great Lakes Conference Administrative Assistant is to attend various events organized by our churches and camps. This past September, I was scheduled for the Fall Women’s Retreat at Mission Meadows in Jamestown, NY. Living in Michigan, this isn’t my “home” camp, but I’ve attended twice before during my two years in this role. The first year was a bit nerve-wracking because I knew no one; however, I was met with such kindness and a warm reception from the women there. The second year felt more comfortable as I had started to recognize familiar faces. I was looking forward to reconnecting and forming deeper bonds. Naturally, I looked forward to this year’s retreat even more. But what happened next taught me an invaluable lesson about community and support.

This year took an unexpected turn when I arrived in Jamestown. A car accident left me shaken but unharmed; however, my vehicle was undriveable and panic set in about how I’d reach the retreat—or return home five hours away! In that moment of distress, I reached out to my boss Jody for help.  She contacted Jackie Haines, the camp director. Jackie called me immediately and rushed to my aid with open arms ready for a much-needed hug as soon as she arrived at the collision shop. With her support and reassurance that everything would be okay, we gathered what I needed from my van and headed toward Mission Meadows.

Once at the camp—and after sharing what had transpired—the warmth from the women at camp enveloped me completely. They ensured that I felt included in all activities planned for the retreat; they assured me that no matter how long it took for my car situation to resolve itself—I would be taken care of. Their genuine concern reassured me that despite feeling lost just moments before, here was a community that stood ready to uplift one another. Most of these women had only met me once or twice before yet treated me like family without hesitation.

This experience reinforced what God envisioned for His Church: a community so inclusive that we feel like family to one another. While it’s true we cannot be family to everyone all the time, treating others like family—especially during their times of need—is our divine calling: to love God and one another.

I am profoundly grateful that these wonderful women at the retreat exemplified this love so beautifully; their compassion reminded me of how essential community is in our lives. May we all strive to extend such kindness when others find themselves in need—it’s truly what we were created for!