BEING THE CHURCH....WITH ROOM TO BREATHE

Together. That's how the church began. It was together day after day after day. Why is that?

Strength is in being together. Understanding is firmer when we are together. Mercy breathes because we get together.

The appointed three times a week which most churches observe may find us gathering, but not together other than to gather, sit-a-bit, and dismiss til the next appointed time. Most aren't this way; yet each of us can find this pattern developing if not careful.

We just completed a Ladies' Appreciation Banquet at Memorial Drive tonight. It is one of our more valuable assemblies. It is so completely fun. It is so perfectly the church. Laughter, tears, tears of laughter, songs, food, intimate moments of the heart drenched the packed room of Memorial's women treated to a sit-down dinner and awesome, home-provided, entertainment by the men.

Greg Perry and Richard Jestice champion this event. I could not help but be reminded tonight of the early church being together. When God's people get together it is usually true that an increase of love and appreciation and understanding break out!

We look a lot like how the church began. A long ways to go? Oh, we will ever be learning and growing. That's the nature of the church.....and it's our pleasure to possess such a nature.

But let me tell you something I note about a maturity among us regarding our gatherings. When we gather I seldom hear comments any longer questioning why some weren't present. You know that was once the trademark of our people; griping about who didn't attend this event and that.

We've grown up. We assume the best about our wonderful church family. We assume they are someplace else and doing just as an important factor as the gathering we are in. For many such an event may be staying home and resting without interruption. I don't blame them.

Good for us, church! We can assemble and have a terrific time without snarling at the absence of some. We've learned not to for they will be at the next event, perhaps tomorrow, when others of us won't.

When the church began it got together. We still do and we love it. For any who missed tonight's bash.....good for you as we are sure you were doing something else kingdomly....like resting a bit. You need it...we need it. This makes us family...with good room to breathe!