We all know it’s true. As the ancient Greeks said, “repetition is the mother of learning.” In order to grow in something, it must be repeated again and again and again. And all one has to do is to ask the piano student how ugly it can get until something beautiful comes.

Small group community is a gift from God. Today, we talk about our commitment being one of a lifestyle repeated over and over again, to our great benefit and the good of the world.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus spoke these words. In the Bible, love always seems to be an action word. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His One and Only Son…” Small group community is the place where we are meant to begin to give and receive love. It is what we talk about today.

Attend. It is a word that is used when a student goes through Clinical Pastoral Education. It means to fully focus and be present with the one you are talking to, trying to help. You listen first. You notice the facial expression and the body language. You ask questions. You listen…really listen. And you don’t condemn or give advice or try to fix them. You support them. You encourage them. You speak back what you have heard, showing that you have listened and have empathized with them. You are fully there. And when you pray, you pray back what you have heard, asking God into the situation. In a small group Community, it is very similar. It is what we focus on today.

Someone once said, “if you don’t commit to getting where you want to go, you will never get there.” Today, we will focus on the examples of Jesus and the first Christians. They knew where they wanted to go when it came to Community. They made it priority number one. They committed to it and so they got there. But finally, this isn’t about them. It is about each of us. Will I commit to the blessing of small group community as priority number one?...at least as a beginning for 8 weeks in September and October? How about you?

All My Fountains by St Matthew Rocklin

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by St Matthew Rocklin

Committed by St Matthew Rocklin

God Bless America by St Matthew Rocklin

The One by St Matthew Rocklin

Praise to the Lord (Joyful, Joyful) by St Matthew Rocklin