Let Us Gather Together

For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ ~ Matthew 18.20

Throughout history, there have been festivals and annual celebrations that the Jewish people have kept to remember their heritage and to thank God for all He has given them.  There are also times to gather to remember and mourn, as did the disciples after Jesus’ crucifixion.  In each instance, God has always been there among them – celebrating and mourning with them.

We still gather for many reasons today.  There are religious holidays, birthdays, weddings, births, deaths and funerals.  We still celebrate festivals for various reasons.  We, as Christians, gather to worship God together as one family of faith.  We meet for special Healing Services to anoint those suffering physical, emotional or spiritual pain in their lives and pray for their restoration to a healthy, God-filled life of peace.  We hold special alternative contemporary worship services in hopes of drawing the un-churched into the faith in a way that is more comfortable for them to worship in and draw closer to God.  No matter what the reason, God is still with us every time we gather, just as He has been for His people since the beginning of time. 

During our Campground Festival this weekend and again in the fall for our Flea Market, God will be with us as we gather together to work, fellowship, enjoy making new friends within our church family and among those selling their wares at our events.  These are times that we can share our faith with each other while God is right beside us, as always.  We can demonstrate His love for others through our service to Him on days like this.  These events, although meant to help raise funds for our church’s operating expenses, really are more than that.  They are opportunities to bring others to faith in Christ and to deepen our own faith as well as deepening the faith of others around us.  Enjoy the day and look for the many ways God touches your life throughout it.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for the many gatherings we attend throughout our lives.  These are times to feel closer to each other and to You.  Thank you for the many opportunities that these gatherings allow for us to grow in our faith and in relationship with You and other Christians around us, as well as to draw others to You in faith.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller