When you think of community, what are the first couple of images that pop into your mind?

You might think of your neighborhood or your co-workers or your church. I believe that being in community is something that God calls us to do. We cannot meet life alone. It's easy to shut others out, but when times are difficult, we need support from our communities. When it's time to celebrate, we need someone to join in the festivities. Whether we like it or not, we have been called to be in community with one another.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 reminds us: let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

We are never truly alone with God, but having someone's physical presence that you can see, touch, and hear is a gift from God. We are lucky enough to have these gifts in forms of people placed in our lives that are embarking on this journey we call life together. In life we face challenges and experience celebrations. We face mistakes and experience victories.

In a world with so many ways to connect, many times we can feel disconnected. Electronic media connections can fill our days and we may be longing for a face to face encounter with someone who cares for us.

Don't isolate yourself from developing relationships. Don't run away from community. Consider each of the communities that you are a part of a dive right into them. You are a community member of the Christian family here at JCPC. What are some ways that you can connect with that community today and this week?

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, you gather us together in our faith journey.
Trusting in you, we join one another as a community,
A community of faith on a journey,
A journey to grow ever deeper in our faith,
Along the way, remind us of your Love,
Of your sacrifice for us,
Of your ever mindful presence,
Guide us as we go out and share your love with all those in our community.
In Christ's Name, Amen.