Word of the Week:  Fellowship

During my vacation I attended worship at another church.  I ran into a few sweet friends there and that made it special.  A friend served me communion, and both of us were touched by that moment.  Most of the people around me were strangers.  No one who didn’t know me said a word to me (no, this isn’t about friendliness, but there is power in a kind word).  I worshipped God and He was present for sure, but much of the experience was foreign.

This past Sunday I returned home to GCC.  I saw many, many friends, and enjoyed many conversations that varied from the shallow to the incredibly deep - the “how are you REALLY DOING” kind.  I enjoyed being led in worship by Karen Sawyer and our team.  I was extremely blessed to perform the baptism of Luke Velasquez.  I was challenged by my friend Tag as he brought the gospel from Galatians 1:1-9 clearly to my heart and mind.  His preaching got right up in my grill and asked me what I’m asking to bring me life besides Jesus.

I experienced what the Bible calls fellowship.  I came in with some heartaches, and left blessed and encouraged.  Life was shared, more than just human beings enjoying human community.  There was a strong touch of the divine there.  Christ was loving me through others, and I got the chance to reciprocate.  It was the sharing of the life of God together: fellowship.

I could go on much too long about his topic.  I hope in 2015 you will move into community at GCC in new ways.  I pray that we may be an open door church to people that visit and wonder whether a kind word will be said to them this time around.  Church can feel ordinary and routine.  This Sunday I experienced it as beautiful and extraordinary.  May God give us all many of those moments in 2015.

Love,

Don