Connecting Authentically

One of the surest barometers of the quality of your Christian life is the quality of the Christian relationships in your life.  When that deteriorates, you're going backwards spiritually.  Acts 2:42 confirms that connecting with one another authentically was a high priority in the early church.  When you read the verse, you might be thinking, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and..." What will be next?  Surely, it must be some type of Bible Study or Sunday School class; or, maybe they devoted themselves to missions.  I believe today's church views Christian relationships as a nice add-on, maybe the the whipping cream on the dessert of the Christian life--but surely not the main thing, or even the second, third or fourth thing.  But fellowship, connecting with one another authentically, is the second thing Luke mentions.

As we continue to be reminded of the core values on which this church was founded, Christian relationships is also our second core value.  Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we focus on the value of connecting with one another authentically.  Authentic fellowship is not superficial, surface-level conversations.  It is genuine, heart-to-heart, conversations, some of which you can't have with anybody else.  It happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.  They share their hurts, confess their failures, reveal their doubts and acknowledge their need for help and prayer.  Why would anyone seek out this type of relationship?  Because it helps us grow spiritually and because the Bible tells us too.  James 5:16 reads, "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."  Consider joining us on Sunday and learn the spiritual value of Christian community.  In preparation, take time to read Hebrews 10:19-25 and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart to the importance of fellowship in the life of the believer.
 
Following the service, our adult Sunday school class will continue its study in the book of Acts.  Make plans to stick around after the service and experience Christian fellowship.

Before I close-out this edition of TAB, I want to share with you an opportunity to practice our core commitment to connect with one another authentically.  As many of you are aware, Tonya Erhardt, the daughter of Tom and Teresa, and the grandaughter of Dennis and Mary Stevens, has been battling a rare form of bone and cartilage cancer.  This has required extensive chemo and radiation treatment.  We are thankful that during her last visit, her labs showed that the lesions on her eye socket and lungs have reduced in size...PRAISE GOD!  Please continue to pray for complete healing.

One side-affect of her treatment is the loss of her hair, which in this weather, can make for a cold head!  We would like to show our love, support and encouragement for Tonya by presenting her with a collection of beanies and scarves that she can use to keep her head warm.  We will be sharing more about this opportunity on Sunday, but wanted to get the word out to those who may not be able to attend church this Sunday.  If you would like more information about this opportunity, you can email the church at [email protected], or speak with Jo Leiby on Sunday.
 
Thank you for being a praying church.

See you Sunday.

Doug