Coming together as a church

Yesterday was the third Sunday of our current 4-week series on "When God Starts Something New". We see from Acts 1-2 that when God starts something new one of the things he normally does is gathering of his people for worship and fellowship. Now for the past few months, we've been gathering together at a hotel meeting room for a time of worship and some fellowship. And, in time for the Labor's Day holiday, it seemed appropriate to meet at a home for a time of worship and, yes, an extended time of meal fellowship!

We had a lot of food (thanks to Rick and Hollie who hosted and to many who brought dishes from home), and a lot of time to simply sit and eat and talk. Many of us are still new to each other, and it was good to see everyone making an effort to get to know each other better. What a great group of people we have! From college students to those who have college-age kids of their own... From Asians to Hispanics to our good old Californians... I sometimes wonder how we can all get along together, but I was reminded again yesterday that it is the name of Jesus who brings us together - and, of course, a lot of food doesn't hurt!

After dinner we played a round of botch ball - declaring Paul and Nadia as the new champions. We then gathered around for a time of worship and prayers. We thanked God for all that He has done for us so far, and lifted our prayers for those members in need, for our vision and future as a church, and also for the Hurricane Katrina victims.

I really want our church to be immersed in prayer. We have just begun the culture of prayer by having our first prayer meeting last Sunday and going through the 2 weeks of individual fasting/prayer. It's still not natural for us to pray together a lot, but I sense that we are coming along and we will get better at this. I sense that as I lead the group as pastor I need more prayers daily and I thank God that he is continually reminding me of this reality and truth.

May our people come together as a church of Jesus Christ! From all walks of life, let us come together in one spirit and one prayer. May we come together in worship and in generosity! May we look to Jesus as our head and extend ourselves to each other as our beloved brothers and sisters!