Staying Connected

Jesus is Better

A few years ago, our church leadership began pondering, "How can we bless our neighborhood?" In response, we formed a committee and initiated conversations with local church leaders, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to understand the needs of our community better. Despite the variety of perspectives, a common theme emerged: the importance of relationships. In today's world, people are increasingly isolated—a trend that COVID-19 mitigation policies only further highlighted. 

This realization opened a door for us. The Church is entrusted with the gospel, a message of reconciled relationships. This reconciliation starts vertically between God and man and extends horizontally among individuals. Our new mission encapsulates this call with two words: gospel relationships. Our goal is to foster life-giving relationships through the gospel. In a world where forces continually drive people apart, we view the gospel as the power to reconcile and, through reconciliation, to cultivate a vibrant community. 

For this Sunday's sermon, the author of Hebrews urges his readers to let brotherly love continue. This call to community is anchored in the unchangeable nature of God and manifests in various ways, including hospitality, solidarity, and fidelity. We will explore how to stay connected in a world marked by isolation by planting ourselves in the root of connection and cultivating the fruit of connection. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews13:1-8, Psalm 133, Malachi 3:6, John 15:1-17, Romans 12:13, 1 Corinthians 11:1, and Philippians 3:17. 

This week we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine, we look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “Give to Our God Immortal Praise,” “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death,” and “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.”

Text: Hebrews 13:1-8

Title: Staying Connected 

Outline:

1. Every Christian Must be Planted in the Root of Connection (v. 8)
2. Every Christian Must Cultivate the Fruit of Connection (vv. 1-7)
1. Extend Hospitality (vv.1-2)
2. Stand in Solidarity (v. 3)
3. Pursue Purity (v. 4)
4. Foster Contentment (vv. 5-6)
5. Learn by Example (v. 7)

Sunday's Bulletin

Bulletin Insert