I have read the book of Ephesians dozens of times, but until this sermon series, I never realized quite how much of it was about us together as the body of Christ. In the first chapter, we hear about "church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (Eph. 1:23). Eph 2 shows us the beautiful picture of God tearing down the dividing wall of hostility and building us into a new temple, with Christ as the cornerstone. This past Sunday, we heard Paul's prayer that "together with all the saints," we may come to know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God. And now, this week, we are once again hearing that there is "one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called" (Eph. 4:4).

I mentioned on Sunday that the first half of Ephesians focuses on what we believe, and the second half focuses on what we do about it.  As we start the chapter 4, the obvious question is then what do we do about it - not just as individuals, but as a body, as the body of Christ?

I say we throw a party and invite the neighborhood. Maybe something for the kids. Dressed up in silly costumes. Ooh, with a parade. And candy - there has to be candy. And maybe a hotdog or two. (Hey, we could even put Pastor Steve in a giant hotdog costume!) And let's call it Trunk or Treat!  I love the idea of Trunk or Treat. I love that we have taken what has become a pagan holiday in our society and transformed it back to something sacred. I love that we will have two dozen cars decked out to share the story of the Bible. I love that it takes people who are planners and organizers and cooks and musicians and crafters and storytellers and goofballs to pull this off. I love that the older generations can serve the younger and receive more blessings than they can imagine just by being there. I love that we can meet new people and bond with our church members. I love that we can demonstrate to Mt. Lebanon that we are people who care about families and care about faith.

Eph 4 goes on to say, "Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God' (Eph. 4:11-13). My prayer is that through teamwork like you will see at Trunk or Treat, the world will see Jesus. And may that same spirit of unity, joy, creativity, hospitality, and generosity would spread through every single thing we do at this church. May we as a people of Christ be a treat for the Lord and a blessing for all who come near.