Embracing Christian Community

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

Last time I wrote the blog I wrote about fitting in. I guess this is a theme of mine so here are some more thoughts on the topic.

In the beginning, God created the world, then Adam, and saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so He created Eve. From there families were built and communities began. Life “together”, with one another, really was God’s intention for us from the very start. It’s why we crave it, and why loneliness is such a hard feeling for us to walk in. It’s why we prefer not to sit alone with our thoughts for too long.

We were created to be in a relationship with God and with one another.

Have you ever had a time when you just dreaded going to that event, dinner party, or playdate? Thinking “Ugh, I just don’t want to go. I think I just would rather stay home in my comfy clothes and do nothing," only to realize after the event how much you enjoyed that time with people. Just how much you truly needed it? Or, if you didn’t attend, just how much you wish you had?

Satan loves it when we isolate ourselves.

This isn’t to say that time to rest and be alone is a bad thing. It can be rejuvenating and it is where we spend time individually talking to or growing in our relationship with God. For the most part, those times when we are “just not feeling like being among our community”, are the times Satan is smiling. The more isolated he can get you to be, the more opportunity he gets to start creeping in with dark lies and sad thoughts.

Being together is critical for our spiritual growth.

It’s how we show God’s love to one another most clearly. Walking in relationship with one another allows us to carry each other through lows and trials that we cannot see through to the other side alone. It is where day-to-day troubles can start to melt away; where we can be present and enjoy being in the company of people who "get it", or “get us”. It’s where we can learn, gather wisdom, relate with one another, and occasionally laugh so hard we cry. It’s where we can be lighthearted and have some good old-fashioned fun.
We're told that on this side of life, we must walk through difficulty. But one day we will reach Heaven, where we will be in the ultimate sin-free and suffering-free community together. We will get to enjoy being with one another all the time with no daily distractions, pressures, stressors, or illnesses pulling us away. It will be complete euphoria and joy!

Until that day comes, when we gather together now, we experience our little piece of Heaven — our glimpse into what it will look like on the other side of eternity. It’s why it feels so good once we get ourselves to do it.

It’s why we feel rejuvenated and more prepared when we leave it. Being in community can make the hardships of life more bearable and allow us to realize we are not the only ones dealing with "that thing”.

Our desire at 1st Presbyterian is that no one feels as if they need to tackle life alone.

Community is the heartbeat of our church. When I interviewed for the office position here, I remember Bonnie getting teary-eyed when she spoke of the love she has for this community of people. Wow, what better advertisement for the church than any blog. We want a safe, healthy, thriving body of believers, where all are welcome to come and experience the fullness of God’s love and presence. From groups for addiction, women's groups, men's groups, and small Bible study groups, to youth programs.  We've intentionally created tons of spaces, so anyone can find a place to belong.  The Women’s Conference, “Courage to Connect”, October 4th and 5th, is a perfect example.

Embrace some kind of Christian community this fall!

Whatever season you find yourself in, whatever the “thing” you are needing support through, we have ways for you to come and be in community. Whether you are already great at connecting or you are trying to dip your toe in, check out our events and groups to find ways you can experience a stronger sense of belonging.

One thing that is guaranteed, God will show up and you will gain something you need out of it.

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:20).

​In His Name, Susie