The sound of Community
I would say that the word Community is something that is part of who I am. It's something that I long for. It's something that is ingrained in me, my heart, my way of life. It's about sharing together what life brings in real and honest ways. Many of you know that Ryan and I both struggled with the lack of this in Rochester. We are so pleased to be a part of this on a BIG scale at Mars Hill and we love it. Let me tell you a little about the Community I participated in this morning.
10,000 people come to Mars Hill on a Sunday (3 services). It's big. But it's personal-- I don't know that I can explain that as much as you just need to experience it. And this morning I got a glimpse of Heaven. You see mars is about being real. It's about living honestly before God- but also before others. Isn't that how authentic God would want us to be? Anyway... you can imagine that in a large church it's hard to get to know others, get connected. It's easy to slip in and out. Well, this morning was like nothing I have every experienced in a church-- let alone a big one. It was the heart of what Christ would want us to be doing. We had communion and Kent's sermon was about who Jesus ate with. Talking about how that was one of the biggest ways he broke down walls, classes, etc. Who we share a meal with is core to our living. We like to eat with like minded, or like lifestyle people. But he put a face on it today. He said-- we might be a mega church but look around-- these are real people. From different classes, different age groups, different backrounds. Some of them might have done things that you think are horrible. You might be holding a grudge against someone else in this room. God wants us to break it down and have communion with community. In stead of having communion with your spouse, friend, etc. Find someone you don't know, get to know their story- and ask to share communion together. If you have a grudge against someone-- go fix it! Usually when we have communion it's praise music being sung. But today there weren't words to a song-- but words of forgiveness, friendship, and grace being spoken. I said to Ryan as we were waiting -- it's usually so quiet and listen-- it's awesome. We met 3 people a girl who had only been 4 times to mars and she had brought 2 new friends with her. People all around were talking & sharing the bread and cup. It was the ultimate glimpse of heaven. No judgement just celebrating faith and life! It was awesome to sit and my seat and observe clear grudges that were being mended-- people hugging and praying together! Today I feel blessed to be in such a wonderful place!
I love Sunday's.
CONGRATS TO MY DEAR FRIENDS LYNDE AND BRAD ON THEIR ENGAGMENT!! You guys are great together!!
ck
10,000 people come to Mars Hill on a Sunday (3 services). It's big. But it's personal-- I don't know that I can explain that as much as you just need to experience it. And this morning I got a glimpse of Heaven. You see mars is about being real. It's about living honestly before God- but also before others. Isn't that how authentic God would want us to be? Anyway... you can imagine that in a large church it's hard to get to know others, get connected. It's easy to slip in and out. Well, this morning was like nothing I have every experienced in a church-- let alone a big one. It was the heart of what Christ would want us to be doing. We had communion and Kent's sermon was about who Jesus ate with. Talking about how that was one of the biggest ways he broke down walls, classes, etc. Who we share a meal with is core to our living. We like to eat with like minded, or like lifestyle people. But he put a face on it today. He said-- we might be a mega church but look around-- these are real people. From different classes, different age groups, different backrounds. Some of them might have done things that you think are horrible. You might be holding a grudge against someone else in this room. God wants us to break it down and have communion with community. In stead of having communion with your spouse, friend, etc. Find someone you don't know, get to know their story- and ask to share communion together. If you have a grudge against someone-- go fix it! Usually when we have communion it's praise music being sung. But today there weren't words to a song-- but words of forgiveness, friendship, and grace being spoken. I said to Ryan as we were waiting -- it's usually so quiet and listen-- it's awesome. We met 3 people a girl who had only been 4 times to mars and she had brought 2 new friends with her. People all around were talking & sharing the bread and cup. It was the ultimate glimpse of heaven. No judgement just celebrating faith and life! It was awesome to sit and my seat and observe clear grudges that were being mended-- people hugging and praying together! Today I feel blessed to be in such a wonderful place!
I love Sunday's.
CONGRATS TO MY DEAR FRIENDS LYNDE AND BRAD ON THEIR ENGAGMENT!! You guys are great together!!
ck
1 Comments:
Hi Christy,
I'm a friend of Nicole's and I run past your blog every once in a while. I've really appreciated many of the things you've shared- especially the spiritual stuff. I just had to comment today to thank you for sharing about your experience in church Sunday. We just moved here to Michigan this past summer and we've had a hard time finding a church and getting plugged in. This past Sunday was the first time we'd found a congregation we truly felt at home in and it was so nice to be back in a "community" like that. Community was such a big part of the church we came from in Oregon and it's been hard for us to find the real thing here. I know I've been missing that, but it was really driven home for me this weekend how important that is, and then it was neat to read what you shared here. Your words are very encouraging. (and it makes me wish I lived up there so I could attend that church) Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, so Thanks!
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