From the Preacher's Pen

From the Preacher's Pen January 2010

"CONNECTING to God, Community and Each Other"

          In the world of Real Estate, when someone wants to buy or sell a home or property; we often hear the phrase, "location, location, location!" In the world of communication technology we may think of the phrase, "advanced, advanced, advanced." In the world of economics it seems like the key phrase we hear is, "spend, spend, spend." This got me to thinking what the key phrase might be for the Church. As we read through the Bible this year the phrase that kept coming to my mind was, CONNECTING, CONNECTING, CONNECTING, When you look the word "connect" up in the Webster's Dictionary we find that it means in the Latin language "to bind together." To connect means to join or to fasten people or things together. Connect means to associate or relate things and people together. I can remember as a kid hearing people refer to a point in the Susquehanna River as "the Mouth of the River;" they were referring to a point where the North and West Branches of the river connect to become one larger body of water.

          The more I thought about this word connect and studied it's definition the more I was convinced that that is exactly what God had planned for his people in their relationship to Him, the community and each other. "Connection" is a powerful word as it relates to our faith in God, our marriages, or our communication with each other. Is it possible that in our world we have focused so hard on location, advanced technology, and spending that even with all the technological advancements that make us more available, gives us more opportunities and cost us more monthly payments that we have become in many ways, "DISCONNECTED" from God, the community and each other.

          Today, ironically or pathetically enough, communication stands as the number one problem in our relationships. Being connected or linked together seems to be the greatest need of the world and God's people. God wants his people especially to be CONNECTED to Him, the community and each other in vital ways that we will be looking at in the beginning of the New Year. Messages on connecting with God, Community and each other will inspire and challenge each of us as we, "God's People," seek to do His will everyday. If we can select a key phrase for the Church would it possibly be CONNECTION, CONNECTION, CONNECTION?

          Being connected through a strong faith to God, Community and the Church can form lasting bonds that link us together for eternity. A congregation with a vibrant faith in God's connecting and saving power will have a vital witness of God's love in the community. Linked together through a common bond of trusting Jesus the Church is connected to each other. Let's consider the connecting power of the words of the Apostle Paul recorded in Romans 12:9-12; 14-18 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer… 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." "Connecting" will be our motto for 2010.