- Just last week, our Connect4 department held a progressive dinner Christmas party and had a great crowd of young adults and young parents. Four couples welcomed us into their houses and many more helped by making some good eats. Many other groups have been connecting in a similar fashion, including the Religion 101 party this weekend. These are great events for introducing friends to FBC.
- Then, just last night, our First Laotian congregation held their annual Christmas dinner, only they made it an international affair because of the refugees and others to and with whom they have been ministering. When Thi gave the greeting, he had to do it in nine (9!) different languages. The food, mostly covered dish, likewise represented several cultures. First Laotian is doing so many great and wonderful things and are inspiring what they affectionately call "The Mother Church" to do likewise.
- Each week, we gather together to connect through prayer and Bible study. These small groups really allow for intimacy, as we share our thoughts and concerns and desires and celebrations. It is good to know that we (and you) are not alone, that there is a group who will pray for you and with you. It is good to have a group who takes care of you, even as you take care of them. It is good to have a group who reaches out into the community, especially since it is so difficult to do so alone.
- And we come together every Sunday to worship as a family, learning what it means to be people of the way, as some early Christians were called. We practice our faith throughout the week, but need to connect with our source to re-energize for the week ahead. And, indeed, we practice our faith even as we gather, for we would not know how to love our neighbors were it not for the love we show our each other.
So, the connecting has begun. We connect with each other, with our neighbors, and with our God. May we look during this Advent season for new ways to connect.
The connecting has begun. May it increase and never end.
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