October 14, 2020
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.
-Acts 2:42-47
After the first Pentecost Sunday, the community of Christ followers began to do everything in life together. They shared meals around a table, they prayed together, they studied Scripture, and they shared their wealth to care for one another. This early church became the model for the church we still know and love today. We know that together, we can do much more than any one person could do on their own. Together we get to celebrate communion. Together we worship. Together we are in mission in the community. The small things we have to offer become great and wonderful things together.
When I was reading Acts 2, it wasn't just the togetherness of the community that struck me. They also found great joy in praising God together as One body. And that joy in God and God's goodness started the beginning of the church. I found that joy here in Crowley as Leah and I were welcomed and again when we welcomed Scarlett Rey into the world. I see that joy as we collaborate on ways to help our neighbors. Personally that joy most noticeably warms my heart when we gather together. Whether it was for a progressive dinner, Bible study or Sunday worship, the feeling of joy was electric and it continues to be. I look forward to witnessing it every Sunday morning. This Sunday we'll begin to look at this joy that we share with our new sermon series, Together for Joy.
I look forward to connecting with you this Sunday, in person or online.
This week, may you remember and rediscover the joy we share.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter