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A Gift from Our Family to Yours
August 16, 2026 - For the Church at the St. John Church of Christ
Spiritual Discipline: Community
Residents in the United States live in a nation founded on a Declaration of Independence. Independence is a wonderful gift so long as it does not keep us from the right sort of dependence. Jesus taught his followers that they were part of the family of God. They were not meant to be lone rangers but part of a living organism, Christ’s body, the church (1 Cor. 12). No part of the body functions by itself, nourishes itself or serves itself alone. Every part is for every other part – whether hurting or rejoicing.
The discipline of community is the desire to express and reflect the self-donating love of the Trinity by investing in and journeying with others. Christian community exists when believers connect with each other in authentic and loving ways that encourage growth in Christ. They engage in transparent relationships that cultivate, celebrate, and make evident Christ’s love for all the world. Henry Nouwen said: “Community as discipline is the effort to create a free and empty space among people where together we can practice true obedience…To create space for God among us requires the constant recognition of the Spirit of God in each other.”
God’s family is meant to be the “show and tell” of what true belonging and love looks like. Sadly, our Christian life together can be a disappointing misrepresentation of who Christ is. Nevertheless, God’s one plan for reaching the world is rooted in the community of broken people who gather with desire to love him and bring in his kingdom. We will never be perfect people; but imperfect people committed to a radical Spirit-empowered love can change their relationships and their world. Be committed to the community of God – it is one of the greatest blessings that God has given to His people!
Daily Verse of the Day
Worship Times
We meet together regularly on Sunday mornings. We would love to have you join us!
We have bible classes for all ages at 10:00 a.m. Following classes, we meet together as a church family at 11:00 a.m. for worship services.
On the first Sunday of the month we enjoy a potluck meal together following worship service.
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