We have a great opportunity this Sunday (July 15) to celebrate Jesus together at a fun, family friendly carnival. I really hope that you will make it a point to invite some people and attend! This "Country Fair" will start at our normal time, 10:30am, and a brief service will be followed immediately by a potluck lunch and then tons of fun carnival games for the young and young at heart.

 

I am asked regularly how the church is going and I answer the same way every time. I say that I have never been a part of something that is so unifying and blessed. It is unheard of for two like minded organizations to come together with the amount of unity and humility that our church has experienced. I am excited to see where we are going as Jesus builds his church in South Salem. 

 

When I read in the book of Acts and I see the joy, unity and love that was present at the foundation of the church, I crave that same kind of connection. I have experienced a similar connection with many of you and I know that there is a desire to experience that present inside all of us who love Jesus and His bride, the church. 

 

Although we are talking a lot about living life together in unity, it is a difficult thing to realize. It is not something that any program or prodding can manifest. Unity in love and a brotherhood kind of fellowship is something that requires personal sacrifice, time, energy and shared experiences. As a church we can put on activities and events to try and foster connection, but in actuality the effort of living life together is in all of our hands. Being mindful of reaching out to people during the middle of the week is important for you and me. Few things in this world satisfy me more than seeing God’s people loving each other. When I hear that people are getting together and making efforts to know each other, my heart fills with joy. 

 

The Bible says that everyone will know that we are Jesus’ disciples by our love for each other. That's not just some pie in the sky kind of jibber jabber. That is the expectation. That is the mandate. That is who we are to be and I know that many of us have great motives and intentions. But like all of you, our individual lives get in the way and excuses pour into our minds.... "But I am introverted... busy... messy... poor... weird... lazy... a sinner…" Great!!! So are all of us! There are always going to be reasons to isolate--that is what Satan wants the church to do. Satan knows the power that is present in the unified church and he shakes in fear of it. My desire is that Way of Life Fellowship would be known as the "lovingest" church around (I know it's not a word). 

 

Let's be as much like Jesus as we can be. It is a great blessing to do life together with you all. I am excited about growing closer together with you in the years ahead! 

 

Love ya, 

 

Chris