4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
~Romans 12:4-8
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
It’s tempting to think we can “go it alone” in life and rely solely on our own wisdom and strength. It may be especially tempting to think we have no one else we can rely upon in difficult times like these.
However, we were not meant to go through life alone.
That’s why connecting with Jesus and strengthening our faith in a community is so important. From simply satisfying the basic need of belonging to enriching your life and deepening your journey of faith.
Fellowship and the Basic Need for Belonging
Every human being has a basic need to belong, to feel accepted and welcomed by a larger community. One of the most fulfilling ways to experience this sense of belonging is to join a church.
The community aspect of Church of the Messiah is a vital part of the faith, providing members with a sense of belonging and support. From our local parish that offers weekly services, to larger conferences and retreats, fellow Episcopalians come together to build closer relationships with one another and God.
Church of the Messiah also provides a variety of activities that promote positive social interaction among members. From knitting clubs, to book clubs, to BBQs, to bible study and community outreach, members are encouraged to bond and build friendships with other members of the faith. This encourages members to engage in meaningful conversations about their beliefs and life experiences and connect on a deeper level.
By connecting with God’s family and strengthening your faith, you can experience the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a larger community. Church of the Messiah provides a safe and inviting place to explore faith, share experiences, and build relationships that can last a lifetime.
Family
When it comes to strengthening and nourishing our faith, it’s important to be a part of a supportive family. At Church of the Messiah, we believe that being connected to one another is essential in developing our spiritual lives. We are guided by the teachings of Jesus, and strive to build our community with a sense of unity. We believe that by coming together as God’s family, we can learn, grow, serve, and ultimately strengthen our faith and relationship with God.
We understand that the world outside our church community can feel overwhelming and intimidating, and it’s important to stay connected to our community to help us in navigating the complexities of life. Each and every member of our family brings something unique, and it is through our collective strengths that we create a strong, nurturing community.
By coming together as God’s family, we are reminded that we are all a part of something larger than ourselves. We can rely on one another to offer support, provide a listening ear, celebrate the joys and comfort the sorrows of life.
Discipleship
Discipleship is an essential part of our faith in the Episcopal Church. We are called to live as Jesus did, to learn from His example and to spread His love to the world. As Episcopalians, we believe that part of our spiritual journey is to become active members of our church and to grow in understanding and practice of our Christian faith.
The Episcopal Church has always been a community-minded faith, and this sense of community and companionship is especially encouraged when it comes to sharing our faith (see: Missions & Outreach). By actively engaging in our church community and in the practice of discipleship, we can grow closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to the Lord himself.
One of the many ways we practice discipleship is by engaging in spiritual conversations, readings, and activities that further our spiritual growth. Small groups provide an intimate and supportive environment, allowing members to safely and comfortably share their experiences, questions, and struggles. These conversations (see: Ministries) can often lead to spiritual insight and understanding, serve as a source of comfort and strength, and help us to deepen our relationships with God and with each other.
These groups can also take part in activities that build community and practice stewardship. From volunteer service projects to study groups, these activities help to draw us closer together and to foster a sense of responsibility for those in need.
Join Us
Having a strong faith in God is essential to living a life of purpose. Being connected to God’s family of fellow believers not only enriches our lives, it can help us to become more spiritually mature and develop a more meaningful relationship with our heavenly Father.
It’s important to remember that being connected to the family of God is not just something we should do for our own benefit. It’s actually a command from God. We are commanded to be involved in a strong church community, to support and encourage one another in our walk of faith.
Finding a community of believers that we can lean on for support is essential to our spiritual growth. When we are surrounded by like-minded individuals who share in our love and belief in God, it makes our journey of faith more meaningful and enjoyable.
At the end of the day, it’s through the power of real community and family relationships that we can experience the joy and love of God. So let us use our time, energy, and resources to build meaningful connections in our journey of faith. By doing so, we will find greater fulfillment, comfort, and joy in our relationship with our Lord.