DEVOTIONAL FROM DREW BARTON MARCH 15, 2023

What is Christian community?

This past Sunday evening, students at our Sunday night youth programming defined perfectly what “Christian community” is by their actions. How did they exactly do this? They showed hospitality by welcoming high school students from the Bethlehem Center. They spent time in worship together with the youth band leading. Then, they met new people during a group activity where people got to utilize their strengths and show their personalities. They shared a meal together. Finally, they encouraged and prayed for one another.

In one evening, they reminded me exactly what Christian community is supposed to be. It should include hospitality, worship, people using their gifts, meeting new people, fellowship and praying for one another. 

During this time of much self-reflection during lent, I want to encourage you to reflect on how you are helping to cultivate Christian community at Signal Crest, as well as at home and in your neighborhood. Are you welcoming new faces? Are you spending time sharing a meal with common and new faces in your group? Are you reaching out to encourage one another? Are you praying for one another?

Christian community, led by God’s love is what makes the Church so special.