When I was a young adult, living away from home for the first time and feeling pretty alone in my faith, I found a way to be at church almost every time the doors were opened. I took on a second job working at the preschool because I genuinely loved working with the people from church. I hardly knew anyone and most people were old enough to be my grandmother or even great-grandmother, but I joined their prayer circle and I soaked up Sunday morning service even if it wasn't the denomination I was familiar with. The old church was within walking distance of my apartment and it was a place of refuge from the world, an unwelcoming place for someone who wanted to follow God's Word, so it became my home away from home. I was only there a short time but I dove into that church and served, and found joy and peace in the family of God.
And here we are today in 2020 where the world is a bit unwelcoming in general (we have to be, I know). And we can't meet together and give each other hugs of comfort or share a cup of coffee together to listen to the challenges and praises of the past week. So, how do we fellowship and how to we act like the family of God in these times? These musicians in Nashville made a beautiful cell phone choir for us to appreciate - consider it your morning time to meditate and settle your heart before the Lord.
Last week, churches around the world met virtually, worshipped uniquely in their living rooms and heard the scriptures from home. It feels a bit different to do church virtually, but I hope you join in this morning too!
Even while we are apart, we can commit to praying for one another, lifting each other up and sharing joy to others in a variety of ways. You could write notes and send them in the mail to someone who is alone or to the nearest nursing home. I know of folks who are serving others by donating money to buy grocery store gift certificates for those who are out of work at this time and others are sewing face masks for those working in hospitals. You could do a virtual Bible study and check in via phone to discuss the questions and talk about what God is doing in your lives right now. You could turn up the praise music at home and sing along - your own personal worship service. We live in a connected era - aren't you glad for Facetime, zoom, Skype and all the other new ways we can connect even while apart?
How are you finding ways to fellowship, worship and serve during this time? I'd love to hear!
And here we are today in 2020 where the world is a bit unwelcoming in general (we have to be, I know). And we can't meet together and give each other hugs of comfort or share a cup of coffee together to listen to the challenges and praises of the past week. So, how do we fellowship and how to we act like the family of God in these times? These musicians in Nashville made a beautiful cell phone choir for us to appreciate - consider it your morning time to meditate and settle your heart before the Lord.
Last week, churches around the world met virtually, worshipped uniquely in their living rooms and heard the scriptures from home. It feels a bit different to do church virtually, but I hope you join in this morning too!
Even while we are apart, we can commit to praying for one another, lifting each other up and sharing joy to others in a variety of ways. You could write notes and send them in the mail to someone who is alone or to the nearest nursing home. I know of folks who are serving others by donating money to buy grocery store gift certificates for those who are out of work at this time and others are sewing face masks for those working in hospitals. You could do a virtual Bible study and check in via phone to discuss the questions and talk about what God is doing in your lives right now. You could turn up the praise music at home and sing along - your own personal worship service. We live in a connected era - aren't you glad for Facetime, zoom, Skype and all the other new ways we can connect even while apart?
How are you finding ways to fellowship, worship and serve during this time? I'd love to hear!
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