loving God and loving people.
Some years ago I preached a sermon series I entitled One-Anothering. The title was from a book I was reading by that same name. It has stuck with me ever since. It captures what a healthy, vibrant church community looks like in practice. When we love one another, care for one another, and accept one another - we are "one-anothering." It's a verb, a way of life, and a reflection of Christ's commandment to love as He loved.
The New Testament reminds us again and again how we are to live in relationship with one another. "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13: 34). "Bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). "Encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). "Be kind and compassionate to one another" (Ephesians 4:32). "Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you" (Romans 15:7). These aren't just good ideas - they are the blueprint for Christian community.
But community alone isn't the whole picture. The church must also be driven by a mission and vision that points beyond itself - to a better, more compassionate world. A world where people are invited to grow spiritually, to share in something greater than themselves, and to find hope and purpose in the presence of God.
This is the kind of church I'm grateful to be a part of. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a place where we can practice grace, extend mercy, seek justice, and "one-another" our way into the Kingdom of God. May we continue to grow in love and purpose together.
In Christ's service,
Pastor Cameron