Humans were created to live in community and to serve God by reflecting His love back to creation and all of humanity, starting in our church.

Let’s start at the beginning… in Genesis God created humanity. Genesis 1:26 says “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Martin Luther saw verses 26-27, as the foundation for understanding God’s layout for humans. God is continually in community, as the Trinity, in a perfect and unified way that we can’t fully fathom. God created us to have, and to need, that type of intimate community too. 

Humans were created to live in community and to serve God by reflecting His love back to creation and other humans in our community. The scientific and psychological charts that display our hierarchy of needs (such as those by Max Neef or Maslow) reveal that many of our individual needs can only be met when in healthy community. I love when science ‘proves’ what Christians already know from Scripture.

Christians belong to one another through our church community. How does this affect how we attend church? It is a sin-filled, stressful, and crazy world out there. Living in healthy community isn’t simple, because all relationships are stained by sin. But at church, in relationship with fellow Christians, we can be supports that draw one another back to Scripture and to the gifts we receive in our worship services: the hearing of the Word preached to our situations, the forgiveness of sins, and the blessings we receive in the Lord’s Supper. 

Church is designed to be the place where we are built up by God’s Word, but also built up by the support of our fellow Christian. When we fall into bad habits, whether it be a sin or a lack of prioritizing our faith, who is there to call us back to living according to God’s Word? That answer is a lot simpler when we live a week that is centered around being in community at church. 

We come to church not only to be served, but also to serve others. When we are active in the body of Christ, the life and activities of St. John’s, we accomplish what Christ and the Scriptures call us to do. So, what can you do? Be a part of this community! Grow your circle of church friends/family, by getting to know new faces after worship. Participate in a Bible study or ministry so that you can invite those who are new or unengaged to be active alongside you. Volunteer in a ministry or activity to engage in the mission of St. John’s. Don’t just come to church, BE the church. 

Check out this list of opportunities to volunteer and support our community. Or contact the church office so we can learn about your special skill sets and find the right place to get you plugged in! The church is made up of a variety of people with a variety of skills. And the needs of the church are also varied. Whether you are introvert or extrovert, crafty or willing to use your knowledge of tools and HVAC systems, good with tech or willing to help with laundry… There are so many opportunities to be a part of God’s work in the world!

Check out this list of upcoming Bible studies to grow in knowledge of Scripture and community. Or reach out to Pastor Albers or myself for ideas of a devotion or Bible study you can start on your own.