Friends,

On Sunday July 11 at 10 AM, ten of us met for our first, monthly summer fellowship brunch and Bible study in Hayden Hall.  We enjoyed good food, a time to check in and catch up with one another, prayer, and an engaging discussion centering on Acts 2:42-47.  Luke wrote this passage to describe the fellowship of the early believers: 

“42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Words and phrases that stood out to the participants included “awe,” “in the temple,” and “added to their numbers.”  We talked about the Spirit of generosity that underlies this passage as well as the challenge of living into this today (without becoming a commune).  We agreed that a small church like ours does a good job of “walking one another home” and extending goodwill to our community through giving to Healthy Packs, UMOM, and supplying various community centers with nonperishables.  We also noted that there is so much more we can do as God adds to our numbers. 

We will continue with this brunch and Bible study format the first Sundays of both July and August (10 AM in Hayden Hall).  I hope you will join us if you are in town.  In the meantime, stay cool and hydrated!

In Christ,

Pastor Sandi