Yesterday, we began a new sermon series on “Practices of the Christian Life.” One theme that will reverberate throughout our series is the importance of community. The spiritual practices that shape someone more and more into the image of Jesus are best done with and in community.
We can’t and don’t change on our own. The New Testament has no vision of the Christian life apart from the church, the community of faith. If we think we’re following Jesus and we’re not in community with other people who are following Jesus, then we are deceiving ourselves. Community is an essential and indispensable part of our formation.
Practically speaking, following Jesus in a community where you are known and know others is a great help. Engaging in spiritual practices is not always easy. Culture, technology, and selfishness constantly tempt us toward the idolatrous illusion of total self-sufficiency. But we are people, not machines. We were not made to go alone. Therefore, when a small group of Christians practice following Jesus together, they experience accountability, support, encouragement, and the ever-increasingly needed reminder: we are not on our own.
One 18th-century New England pastor reminded his congregation about the importance of community this way:
Let Christians help one another in going this journey. There are many ways whereby Christians might greatly forward one another in their way to heaven… Therefore, let them be exhorted to go this journey as it were in company, conversing together, and assisting one another. Company is very desirable in a journey, but in none so much as this.
That’s old advice that’s never been more relevant and needed.
Onward, together,
Pastor Bijan
Stream RWS Services
On Sunday, we kicked off the new sermon series with a message on Psalm 95: “Worship.” Didn’t catch it live? Don’t worry—Sunday sermons are also available on our YouTube channel, ready for you to watch at your convenience. Prefer to listen on the go? Find our sermons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
Click here to visit our YouTube channel.
Nominations for Elected Leaders are Open Now
As the church continues to grow, so does our need for leaders to serve as ruling elders or, in the mercy ministry, as deacons and deaconesses (affectionately known as “deeks”). So each year, we invite the church to pray for nominees, and for church members to submit their nominations online. This year, we have moved the nomination period to begin before the summer in order to accommodate an updated training and discernment process. Nominations for elders will be accepted during the month of June. Nominations for deacons and deaconesses will be accepted from June 1 through September 30.
Upcoming
- June 5 | Coffee Clubs
- June 7 | Mandarin Speaking Community Group
- June 9 | VBS Preparation Party
- June 11 | W83 Opening Reception | “The Gilded Hours”
- June 11 | Grief & Loss Support
- June 12 | Registration Deadline for 9th & 10th Grade Backpacking Trip
- June 14 | Spiritual Practices Workshop: Worship
- June 14 | All Angels’ Community Meal Volunteering
- June 28 | Prayer Walk
Get Involved
| RWS Job Opening: Director of Youth Ministry Volunteer with WS Youth on Friday nights this fall. Lend a hand at our Church Family Meals. Listen to sermons on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. Serve at our welcome table for one Sunday a month at RWS. Subscribe to our Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter. HFNY: Vote for a nonprofit partner at Pitch Night on June 4! Watch four HFNY nonprofit partners pitch big ideas for innovative programs. Then, vote for the idea that will have the biggest impact. |
