In the book of Revelation, we find we are reading someone else’s mail. Jesus sent a message through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. Ephesus was the first stop. They were standing strong in the truth in the midst of an idolatrous culture. But they had neglected to walk in actionable love for one another. Jesus wanted to call them back, in his love, by his grace.

A new community was forming, centered around Jesus, empowered by His very Spirit sent from the Father. This power allowed for them to be part of some pretty amazing things, but just as Jesus tired of the crowds coming to him to see miracles, these events were pointing to something more powerful. People were being restored into community, good news was being preached, and the system the world operated in was being set right — in small part — as a preview of what would come fully one day.

The presence of God's Spirit radically transformed a diverse crowd of people, brought them together as a one people, and put that community on display to others so that they would grow and multiply. The call of humanity at creation had been reestablished -- diverse humans being made one, empowered by the presence of God to be fruitful and multiply.

The day the Spirit came and filled followers of Jesus was a day promised long ago, but it came like no one expected. Through a rushing, violent wind, and fire that didn't burn, God came and made His home with His people -- so that we could come make our home with Him.

The work of Jesus in healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preaching the good news, raising the dead, going to the grave himself, and rising by the power of the Spirit was only the beginning. Jesus continued his work, and is continuing it still, with the same Spirit empowering a new body.

Our formation in God and our community with one another is more deeply formed as we live on mission for the sake of others. God has always designed humanity to have a purpose, to be a display of His good work in front of all of creation, for the sake of the world.

We took a few minutes to talk about our MC’s and pray for the mission we are sent on. Specifically we prayed that:

1) Our Missio Communities would multiply
2) Our Missio Communities would invite others in
3) Our own tables would be more open and diverse

God has formed us to be together, many distinct people in unity as one body, in order to best reflect what He is like. Most of creation has been designed this way, to be connected together. Yet, sin has broken us apart and created a desire for individualism. Jesus has come to reunite us as his body, bringing us together with one another and together with God once again.

We give an update on the budget, our hopes for how we will steward it together this year, and prayed for God to knit us more closely together.

Specifically, we prayed for:

1) Our commitment strengthened

2) Our schedules shared

3) Our stories more fully known

What are you being formed by? Which narratives give shape to your life? What rhythms, practices, and patterns are forming who you are? We desire that as a people we would be shaped first and foremost by God. His ways, His Word, His heart, His Spirit.