JUNE 2023
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New International Version)
In his first epistle (letter) to the church in Thessalonica, Paul tells them (and us) to encourage one another and build each other up. Paul affirms that they are in fact doing this. As are we. I feel very blessed to witness wonderful examples of this every day. Another Bible version uses the words “comfort” and “edify” one another. May I add additional ways to encourage and connect, like spending time together, learning about each other and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This seems easier to do with the people in our inner circles, but how do we help facilitate these relationships with acquaintances in our daily lives? We talk often about inviting people to church events, taking walks, finding common interests…We have a great example in the actions of Jesus who engaged people in every day encounters using items from the world around him.
Recently another idea came to me about a possible way to engage people---by building Christian community around shared books. The concept is so simple. Choose a great book and ask a neighbor, friend, co-worker or family member to read it with you this summer. All the better if you do not know the person well and if they have different opinions from you. Together you can highlight common life experiences and begin to understand the human heart and human nature. Reading a good book could make for a natural way to meet another right where they are and get to know them. Reading helps us broaden our perspective by accepting the invitation into other people’s experiences. All the better to have two viewpoints. Could reading books together help us to love our neighbor, encourage and build others up with the love of Christ?
So here is a challenge for all of us----invite someone to read a book with you this summer. If you are game to try, we have some resources to help you purchase 2 of the same books of your choice (for you and one other.) There is nothing to lose by sharing a good summer “read” with someone that you’d like to get to know better. Sit and read your book in the sun, on your porch or in a cozy chair and then meet up with your reading buddy a few times to talk about the novel and what it means to both of you. Need a book idea? Here’s two to start: “The Prayer Box” by Lisa Wingate, and “Sensible Shoes: A Story About the Spiritual Journey” by Sharon Garlough Brown. Please call me with your ideas to add to my reading list and for more title ideas---and let’s talk about this further. With God’s help, we can only imagine what is possible. And, as always, if you are reading this, trust that you (and yours) are in my daily prayers.
Have a wonderful and blessed June.
Pastor Lori
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New International Version)
In his first epistle (letter) to the church in Thessalonica, Paul tells them (and us) to encourage one another and build each other up. Paul affirms that they are in fact doing this. As are we. I feel very blessed to witness wonderful examples of this every day. Another Bible version uses the words “comfort” and “edify” one another. May I add additional ways to encourage and connect, like spending time together, learning about each other and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This seems easier to do with the people in our inner circles, but how do we help facilitate these relationships with acquaintances in our daily lives? We talk often about inviting people to church events, taking walks, finding common interests…We have a great example in the actions of Jesus who engaged people in every day encounters using items from the world around him.
Recently another idea came to me about a possible way to engage people---by building Christian community around shared books. The concept is so simple. Choose a great book and ask a neighbor, friend, co-worker or family member to read it with you this summer. All the better if you do not know the person well and if they have different opinions from you. Together you can highlight common life experiences and begin to understand the human heart and human nature. Reading a good book could make for a natural way to meet another right where they are and get to know them. Reading helps us broaden our perspective by accepting the invitation into other people’s experiences. All the better to have two viewpoints. Could reading books together help us to love our neighbor, encourage and build others up with the love of Christ?
So here is a challenge for all of us----invite someone to read a book with you this summer. If you are game to try, we have some resources to help you purchase 2 of the same books of your choice (for you and one other.) There is nothing to lose by sharing a good summer “read” with someone that you’d like to get to know better. Sit and read your book in the sun, on your porch or in a cozy chair and then meet up with your reading buddy a few times to talk about the novel and what it means to both of you. Need a book idea? Here’s two to start: “The Prayer Box” by Lisa Wingate, and “Sensible Shoes: A Story About the Spiritual Journey” by Sharon Garlough Brown. Please call me with your ideas to add to my reading list and for more title ideas---and let’s talk about this further. With God’s help, we can only imagine what is possible. And, as always, if you are reading this, trust that you (and yours) are in my daily prayers.
Have a wonderful and blessed June.
Pastor Lori