Weaving the Tapestry Together: Finding Unity in Our Beautiful Differences
From Takapuna to the wider world we share
Have you ever felt the need to shrink yourself just to fit in – to quiet your voice, to hold back who you really are? In today’s world, that pressure is real. But here at Takapuna Methodist Church and the Puriri Centre, we’re learning a different way: a way that encourages us to bring our full selves – our stories, colours, and uniqueness – into community.
At a recent Sunday gathering, we were reminded that the Spirit doesn’t sing a single note. It sings in harmony – many voices, different tones, all part of the same song. It’s not about being the same. It’s about being deeply connected. We are not asked to be identical – we are invited to be united through love and grace.
Think of a jazz band. Each musician plays their own part, listening and responding to others, creating something beautiful together. Or imagine a patchwork quilt, where each piece is a different shape and colour, stitched together into something that warms and holds. That’s the kind of community we’re called to be.
Unity with Purpose
True unity isn’t always easy. It takes effort and awareness. It asks us to recognise that life is not the same for everyone. Some carry heavier burdens. Some have been excluded or unheard. That’s why unity needs equity – justice that is grounded in compassion, where everyone is given what they need to thrive.
This was how Jesus lived. He made room for those pushed to the margins. He listened with care, restored dignity, and welcomed all. That same invitation is extended to us: to be people of welcome, healing, and fairness.
A Sacred Space for All
For some, the word church brings difficult memories – of rules, judgement, or exclusion. But at its heart, church is wahi tapu – a sacred space. It’s a place where we can gather honestly, with our questions, grief, joy, and hope.
It’s not a place to hide from the world, but a place to be grounded before going back into it with purpose and care.
At Takapuna, this sacred space shows up in many ways: in worship, shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and outreach to those in need. At the communion table, we are reminded of this vision. Bread and wine become signs of an inclusive, generous love. No one is turned away. Everyone is welcome.
Co-Creating a Future of Belonging
This kind of community isn’t built by a few – it takes all of us. It takes time, courage, creativity, and kindness. Sometimes, it simply takes showing up and saying, I’m here and I care. Every act matters – sharing a meal, planting a tree, listening to someone’s story, standing with someone who feels alone.
In a world that often divides or drowns out difference, we are choosing a different way: the way of listening, compassion, and shared life.
So let’s keep weaving.
Let’s be the threads in a beautiful tapestry – connected through love, creativity, and community. When the world urges us to pull back, to stay silent or separate, let us remember: we were made to belong, to love, and to shine.
As Jesus prayed: that they may all be one. Not uniform, but united – many voices, one heart.