Reciprocity
Reciprocity
A Response From Gratitude
11 He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity,to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13
If you were in church on Sunday, you heard Shane share a message on the role of laity in the work of the church. If you missed it I encourage you to watch it for yourself.
Based on Ephesians 4:11-14, Shane took time to honor and recognize the laity of Broadway. “Laity Sunday reminds us that the church is built on the faith, the love, and the service of everyday people who live out the Gospel in their homes, workplaces, schools, and community.” The day reminds us that God has a place in God’s Kin(g)dom for all of us.
This may be a bit of a stretch, but I left worship thinking about the Broadway Book Club’s summer title, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall-Kimmerer. Ms. Kimmerer is a botanist and a member of the Pottawattamie Nation. Her writing is rich in personal stories intermingled with the science of the natural world. Her heritage as a native of the land speaks to the reciprocal connection between all living things.
I believe that culture has created a misconception of what the word reciprocal means. I mean, I saw the movie Chicago and watched Queen Latifa as the prison warden sing ‘Reciprocity.’ Or maybe, you have heard it in references to bribery or negotiations. These misunderstandings of the word leave us believing that one party has enough power over another to shift the balance or equality.
Miriam-Webster defines reciprocity as “the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.” In relationships, this is the mutual give-and-take of support, effort, and care between partners. It involves a balanced exchange where each person feels equally valued, heard, and supported, and it is essential for building trust and a healthy, lasting connection. It is essential for building community. According to Ms. Kimmerer, reciprocity is a response given from gratitude. A response that sees others as essential for one’s ability to survive and thrive.
As I turn back to Laity Sunday, I hear Shane echo the words of John Wesley.
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can".
If we all share goodness by all the means and in all the ways, places, and times and to all the people as long as possible, WE CAN and will answer our call to mission and ministry to the people of Council Bluffs.
On Sunday October 26th Broadway’s 2026 Participation Cards will be distributed. As you leave with yours, take time during the week to pray and remember that your gifts, whether they be your prayers, presence, gifts, service, or witness are valued and needed. Then bring your completed card back and we will collect them as an Offering on November 2nd.
I will end with a favorite quote of mine from Braiding Sweetgrass.
“The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world. Individuality is cherished and nurtured, because, in order for the whole to flourish, each of us has to be strong in who we are and carry our gifts with conviction, so they can be shared with others.”
Peace,
Teresa
P.S. Not sure what your gifts might be? There are several Spiritual Gifts surveys available that offer insight. Talk with Pastor Brian or Aliyah about your interest in learning more.