The Shelter, Nurture, & Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God
The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared their lives together. They ate and prayed together. Everyone was amazed at what God was doing. They were amazed when the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together. They shared everything they had. They sold property and other things they owned. They gave to anyone who needed something. Every day they met together in the temple courtyard. They ate meals together in their homes. Their hearts were glad and sincere. They praised God. They were respected by all the people. Every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
-Acts 2:42-47
The Great Ends of the Church are 6 statements found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. They are guiding principles for the church. The second Great End is “The Shelter, Nurture, & Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God.”
Fellowship is essential for a healthy church. We learned, (quite painfully), during Covid social distancing that our community suffers when we cannot gather together in fellowship. The Shelter, Nurture, and Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God takes many forms: study groups, meals together, children’s programs, youth ministries, etc.
The challenge for many churches is not a lack of providing opportunities for fellowship, (we are typically really good at that), but connecting people to those opportunities. Our focus should always be reaching out to others in our shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of ALL God’s children.
If you are not yet connected in a small group, Bible Study, music team or choir at the church, please ask about what is available. If the groups we currently have do not fit your schedule or needs, talk with one of the pastors, we are always on the lookout for new group leaders and opportunities to reach others. If we don’t have a group for you, let’s make one!
The example of the early church in Acts 2, reminds us how God’s people shared their lives by breaking bread together and gathering for worship. They took great care of the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those in their community. Let’s follow that example as we engage in fellowship together.
Please check out the Fall Programs brochure in the pews and share it with a friend. Let’s extend the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God beyond our walls!
God of Hospitality and Wonder, you welcome us to a table that invites those who are different from us. This invitation has made us uncomfortable, unsettled, and defensive. Our discomfort comes from an unwillingness to see other peoples’ perspectives. Help us to surrender ourselves to the abundance of your invitation. Inspire us to embrace the fact that diversity is strength, not weakness. Gather us to welcome the stranger, care for the oppressed, and feed the hungry. Forgive us for our short-sightedness and open us to your Gospel that we might better embody the Beloved Community you call us to be. In the Wild and Wonderful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
For more information on Living Out the Great Ends of the Church please visit the PC(USA) website: https://www.
