This last few months have brought a few things to the forefront. In our context, one of the major ones has been what it means to be the church when you can't meet as a church. Everything about gathering has changed in every part of your life and what used to be normal seems to be a thing of the past.
In some ways this has made us appreciate the simple beauty in a dinner with friends or family, a hug or an unplanned chat when you see someone you know.
In other ways it has made us evaluate the most mundane activities in terms of their risk and what we deem "worth it" has probably changed.
So what about the church? How are you evaluating your connection with and participation in the body of Christ in light of all that is happening in the world?
If you know me, you know I'm not asking to pile on guilt or pressure. My heart is stirring over these things and it seems to me that this is a perfect time to align our hearts with the why of what we do. Why do we gather at all? Why do we make an effort to stay connected when we can't gather? Why isn't my discipleship a journey that is just mine?
In our Life Transformations course, First Steps, Lesson 5 is incredibly helpful as foundational learning when it comes to being a part of the church. If you are a follower of Christ, you are a part of the body of Christ. He's the head and we are all called to be connected to one another. It's of vital importance.
Without question this has been the most challenging time to figure this out in real life. But we obviously do not stop being the church when there are obstacles in the way of gathering as the church. For me, that offers up the opportunity to check my relationship to the body and ask the Holy Spirit to show me how to stay connected in new and meaningful ways.
Here is Lesson 5 from First Steps. It's your homework for the week. I challenge you to choose a day and make it your devotional. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you know how to be Devoted to the Fellowship during a pandemic. Rob and I are doing the same.
I would love to hear from you. How are you staying devoted to the fellowship when gathering is such a challenge? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you and your family? Let me know! (tracy@freedomkw.com)
Glad to be in the Body with you,
Pastor Tracy
PS - You have an opportunity as congregation member to invest some time into the practical workings of this local church, hear what's going on between Sundays and ask any questions you have. We'd love to see you in person or on Zoom this Sunday evening - links below.
PPS - Want the whole First Steps course? It's available in hard copy or PDF.
This Sunday
MORE THAN A SONG
Unchanging
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