And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear Friends in Christ,
I pray that you are well and thriving, especially in relationship with God and each other in Christ! Perhaps that sounds like a typical thing a priest might say. But next to our relationship with God, our relationships in Christ with each other are an essential part of the Christian life. The first Christians (and many today) called each other brothers and sisters. They saw each other as a new kind of family, sharing life together, connected to each other by Jesus.
When we gather for a picnic this Sunday, we have the opportunity to meet each other and to learn to know one another better. The more we share our lives together, the more we shed the isolation of the world and encourage each other in lives of depth and meaning and purpose. And we share more joy, we hear God speak to us through others, and we leave a positive impact on others as well.
We do not play the superficial, often self-serving game of worldly friendships, but rather we pursue the deep and authentic connections of Christian Friendship, growing closer together and closer to God together. Come share in the joy of the picnic this Sunday after the 10:30 service, and find ways to keep those connections going. Foyer Groups are forming now (dinner groups that share a meal together once a month), Discipleship Small Groups are forming (reading and discussing the Bible together, learning from each other and supporting one another). And there are many other ways you can develop Christian friendships in the church (see some below). This is an important part of the Christian life, and a source of great blessing and joy! Come connect with us on this journey.
Yours in Christ,
-Tom