Finding Community

“Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them.”
Luke 6:12-13a

Where do you find connection? Where do you receive meaningful community in your life?

Books like “Bowling Alone” tell us what we already know: we are lonelier than previous generations. By and large, we are less likely to be involved in community organizations than our parents. The Elk Club and the Lion Club do not hold the same place in society as they once did. My generation, especially, is stuck on phones and other mobile devices while being locked at home. It is a serious problem, and it also affects the church.

Although we are aware that church attendance is less frequent than it once was, many of us within the church do not feel that all is lost. I believe that we have an important gift to offer to those in our community. Of course, we have the Gospel (i.e., the Greatest News of all time), however, we also do not offer it in isolation.

The church is a community of believers; it is impossible to have church in isolation. We are bound to one another in our Baptismal Covenant at the beginning of our life in Christ until we join the saints and angels in the presence of God.

The church offers a community that is rooted in something bigger than us and that links us to eternity. The relationships we build now will continue in the life to come. That may be good or bad news to you, but it’s the truth.

I say this because I believe small groups play a vital role in the life of the church. Jesus called 12 apostles so that he could pour himself into those who would be called to preach and heal. Paul built churches in homes all around the Mediterranean. No matter the church or the denomination, small groups have played a vital role in its growth from the very beginning.

This is my invitation to you: consider joining a small group this year. St. Martin’s is pleased to offer a four-week small-group opportunity called, “Just for February.” The groups meet once a week throughout the city and on Campus during the month for fellowship, prayer and Bible study. This is a wonderful way to meet other Parishioners, grow in faith and build deep and meaningful relationships.

If Jesus was a part of a small group, perhaps we also should join one.
Registration to join a group will open Jan. 15 on St. Martin’s website.

Please direct all questions to smallgroups@stmartinsepiscopal.org.

“Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” (2001)
The Rev. Wesley Arning
Associate for Young Adult and Small Group Ministry
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