"Church Connections"
April  9, 2008

I have had several comments about how much these “ponderings” mean to people.  A couple people have said that in the midst of their busy lives and some of the frustrations they face in their work that when they check their e-mails and see one of my ponderings it is really an encouragement and helps them keep hope in life.   It is exciting to hear that.  In a sense that is what the church is about – connecting ourselves with one another and encouraging and giving hope to one another.

The Apostle Paul speaks of the church as the body of Christ.  We are all individuals, and yet we are also part of one another.  Paul goes on utilizing this imagery stating that each body part is essential.  They are all interrelated.  So it is with the church.  We are connected to one another for good reasons.  Not only do we need one another to “do the work” of the church, but we also are given one another by God so we can encourage and give hope to one another.

There are many ways in which we can keep connected.  I utilize my “Pastoral Ponderings” to help keep us connected.  Our Web site can keep us connected with what is going on in the church.  Your phone calls and cards to one another keep you connected with one another.  Of course one of the greatest ways we keep connected is by gathering together.  We worship together.  We study together.  We work together.  We eat together.  We socialize together. 

When we keep connected we are able to encourage and give hope.  Those face to face connections are the best, but when they can’t happen because of health, work, travels, etc.. phone calls and cards are great ways to connect with one another.  And so, for those times your church connections are helpful and encouraging I will keep on “pondering”.