November 10th, 2021
By Bill Yerkes
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”Hebrews 10:24-25
Perhaps I sound like a broken record. Probably only a portion of you reading this even know what a broken record sounds like. Either way, I find myself saying a lot these days how much I appreciate seeing everyone on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. In the beginning, I know we mentioned it almost every Sunday. It was like a homecoming each week as more and more of you returned to in-person worship. I found my spirit being lifted each week as our worship became more and more full. In addition, in more recent weeks, we have had many first-time visitors come through our doors. The office has had an uptick in phone calls and inquiries about the ministries of our church. God is doing a work in our midst!
The beauty of our fellowship goes well beyond just the number of people coming into our church building. The company we share and the memories we create during our time together have eternal benefits. Anyone who has ever sat one-on-one with a brother or sister and shared your inner most thoughts, feelings, and struggles can attest to the impact such a relationship has on your life. Maybe you have participated in a small group and have built lifelong relationships with other couples, families, or just people who are in the same season of life or faith as you. However you have experienced community here at St John’s, surely you can attest to the joy of the fellowship of believers.
Author James Bryan Smith in his book The Good and Beautiful God, reminds us how we were created in the image of a God who is in eternal community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we align our lives with Him, we feel the need to be in community with others. Our faith grows when we share it with others. In his book he writes, “spiritual formation happens most profoundly in the context of a group. Participating in a group allows the influence of others to spur us on and encourage us.”
You have blessed us immeasurably during this time of transition. As God has led us to reimagine ministry and move forward according to His will, you have been the pieces of the puzzle that complete who we are as a church. Ministry needs people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. May God continue to lead each of you individually into the part of our church family that will feed your faith and guide you in seeking His will in your life.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”Hebrews 10:24-25
Perhaps I sound like a broken record. Probably only a portion of you reading this even know what a broken record sounds like. Either way, I find myself saying a lot these days how much I appreciate seeing everyone on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. In the beginning, I know we mentioned it almost every Sunday. It was like a homecoming each week as more and more of you returned to in-person worship. I found my spirit being lifted each week as our worship became more and more full. In addition, in more recent weeks, we have had many first-time visitors come through our doors. The office has had an uptick in phone calls and inquiries about the ministries of our church. God is doing a work in our midst!
The beauty of our fellowship goes well beyond just the number of people coming into our church building. The company we share and the memories we create during our time together have eternal benefits. Anyone who has ever sat one-on-one with a brother or sister and shared your inner most thoughts, feelings, and struggles can attest to the impact such a relationship has on your life. Maybe you have participated in a small group and have built lifelong relationships with other couples, families, or just people who are in the same season of life or faith as you. However you have experienced community here at St John’s, surely you can attest to the joy of the fellowship of believers.
Author James Bryan Smith in his book The Good and Beautiful God, reminds us how we were created in the image of a God who is in eternal community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we align our lives with Him, we feel the need to be in community with others. Our faith grows when we share it with others. In his book he writes, “spiritual formation happens most profoundly in the context of a group. Participating in a group allows the influence of others to spur us on and encourage us.”
You have blessed us immeasurably during this time of transition. As God has led us to reimagine ministry and move forward according to His will, you have been the pieces of the puzzle that complete who we are as a church. Ministry needs people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. May God continue to lead each of you individually into the part of our church family that will feed your faith and guide you in seeking His will in your life.
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