Gathering, attending, growing – Koinonia.

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship (koinonia) with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:9-10)

Think for a moment about the people you know and the relationships you share. Each of us is constantly enriched by family and extended family, friends, and acquaintances. Beyond that, many of us have, literally, hundreds of other connections in the virtual world of social media. Simply put, relationships are the most important aspect of our lives.

Our associations with those in the body of Christ are especially important. As Christians, we have become brothers and sisters in the family of God through the blood of Christ. The Bible gives these relationships a special distinction beyond mere friendship. That’s because the bonds between believers are capable of developing a degree of spiritual closeness that far surpasses the limitations of natural human friendships. Christian relationships enjoy biblical Christian fellowship. 

The word fellowship is derived from the Greek word koinonia. Koinonia can be defined as “holding something in common,” and is specifically used 20 times in the New Testament (e.g. Phil. 2:1-2, Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:6-7). Koinonia describes the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions, and behaviors. When those shared values are in place, genuine koinonia (biblical fellowship) occurs. This fellowship produces our mutual cooperation in God’s worship, God’s work, and God’s will being done in the world.

Our Church is more than just the place where we have chosen to worship; it’s a community of believers who have chosen to share our lives with each other. It is a spiritual home where we gather together in the Holy Spirit to grow closer together and in the likeness of Christ.

Christians refer to one another as “brothers and sisters” because we are all children of God. We are all part of God’s family. It’s hard to feel like a family if you only go to church on Sunday, listen to the message, leave, and return a week later. Our growth in Koinonia with each other and God is fostered in regularity and familiarity.

As we strive to live into God’s call and enjoy the blessings of God’s promise of fellowship, our parish has several opportunities to gather in the Lord. In addition to the occasional call to gather for parish needs, during the summer we are overjoyed to gather…

After the 10:00 service each Sunday
As in years past we hope to gather for a few minutes after the service with refreshments to share and catch up. Lemonade and cookies (and more) on the portico as you leave, will be a call to pause a minute and share with our brothers and sisters. Jenny Burk has a heart for this ministry, but she needs your help each Sunday to make it happen. Feel free to reach out to her or jump to the opportunity when she calls you.

On 2nd Sunday after the 10:00 service
In addition to the wonderful worship services each Sunday, during the summer we will gather each 2nd Sunday after the 10:00 service for fellowship and the breaking of bread. Plan on bringing your own special luncheon meal and a little something extra for everyone else.

Starting Wednesday night, June 7th at 7 pm, via Zoom–The Chosen
Wednesday nights via Zoom we will gather to continue our viewing and reflection on The Chosen series. Having completed a wonderful session last year exploring seasons 1 and 2, we will embark on season 3 anticipating the same blessed insights and revelations. 

Thursday night at the Rector’s Bible Study
We are finishing up the Book of Revelation and starting a new Book of the Bible. NOW is the time to come on board. Join your brothers and sisters as we grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord!

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Koinonia in Christ,
Fr. Bill+