“42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2: 42–47
I love this passage because of the community it describes. I love that this community emerged because the of the our pouring of the Holy Spirit, some bold preaching and tangible faith responses in ordinary people. Friends, this description of a faith community has a lot of parallels to Gathering Delco. I know that’s a pretty big claim, but I think it’s not our of bounds. Let me share some of the things we’ve experienced in the last few months which mirror Acts 2.
Regularly we gather in peoples homes to reflect, grapple with and wonder about the scriptures. Young and old, rich and poor, Delco folks from wildly different backgrounds find trust and belonging over a simple conversation, sharing of communion bread and donuts and carrots sticks.
We intercede in prayer for each other, those around us who need a touch from heaven, and for the world. We listen to stories of suffering and do not feel the need to explain on behalf of the Lord why “bad things happen to good people.” We consider it an honor to be present to the moments where heaven’s ways seem close as well as moments when they clearly are not at work.
We help one another. We help strangers and neighbors. Recently, we’ve pooled our limited resources to put a family in a hotel in the middle of a crisis, provide groceries and back to school supplies. We’ve visited each other when things are tough. We’ve washed dishes and packed groceries with our neighbors feeding those experiencing food insecurity.
We’re responding to God’s call to come and follow me. To repent and be baptized. Since the beginning of our church, and continuing to the present we have seen more people by percentage choosing to be baptized than is typical in most churches. And there is real life on the other side of these baptisms – life with purpose, healing, reconciliation and freedom to thrive as God’s image bearers.
We are learning to gather others, to welcome each other and to offer our spiritual gifts to the work of the body – the church. We pray prophetic prayers and share words that God gives us to that others can know they are beloved and his delight.
Friends, God is growing his church as we continue to pursue him. I encourage you, do not grow weary in doing good. I encourage you to prioritize your faith and the spiritual practices of worship, giving and prayer.
Here’s how you can join in this week:
Please notice the active verbs in my announcements. Come. Bring. Give. Pray.
Come to “Church in the Church” this Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5:00pm. Bring a friend. We’ll meet at St. Stephens, 128 Chester Pike, Norwood. Help us host this gathering. Do you want to help set up? Clean up? Help with kids? Offer a ride? Prepare and serve communion? Pray for others?
Come to Small Group. Bring a friend. We’re meeting every Monday at 7:00pm at the Ross’s. We’re having a wonderful time exploring our spiritual gifts and practicing prophetic and listening prayer.
Come to Youth Group. Bring a friend. Youth group is super cool lately. We have a great group of young people who love to play games, talk about God, and show up for hangouts. Last week we got to cheer on Bella at her school’s performance of Romeo and Juliet. Our next meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 9, 6:00–7:30pm.
Give. Give your time. Give your treasure. Give your gifts and talents. Friends, I am so proud of our church that we are not building in that it resists the cultural pull of extravagance. I honestly don’t know of a church which functions as we do, with the priority to keep things simple, and ask “what is essential?” I am learning to teach the biblical foundations for giving of our money and time to the work of the church. I will get better at this. Will you help? Join our family as we offer our tithes and offerings. Join us and others to say this community needs my presence and my participation. Each of you have unique gifts God gave you to bless others. Don’t keep these gifts on the shelf gathering dust.
Pray. Pray for the following:
- There is a mother in our community grieving the death of her child. And facing the horrifying fact this death was caused by her other child. Pray for mercy and peace.
- Pray for people in our community facing incarceration and upcoming legal proceedings. Pray for justice and mercy.
- Pray for those of us who are experiencing financial insecurity. Whether it be from the pausing of SNAP benefits, concerns of rising healthcare premiums or other circumstances, help us to know what wisdom, trust and hard work look like.
- Pray for someone in our church everyday. Would you do this? Think of someone and pray. This will help, Truly it will.
Take care friends, I hope to see you soon.
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