by Bill Rowley
Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4: 7b-8 NRSV
We all know that Christianity is not a Sunday-only religion. We hope to grow in godliness – to become like Christ. But becoming like Christ is not as simple as wishing. There are innumerable pressures that seek to conform us to the image of the world rather than the image of Christ. As 1 Timothy 4: 7-8 suggests, we need to “train” in godliness.
That is why Christians have turned to the “disciplines.” And this also is why St. John’s has started meeting in small groups this fall. Both as individuals and as a community, we want to be like Christ. Our small groups build communities that care for each other, pray together, read and discuss Scripture together, and together look toward how we can, in word and action resemble Jesus.
We are now halfway through our small group fall session. Each of our meetings focuses on one of the Christian disciplines – so far we have discussed quiet time, prayer, and social justice. At a meeting of the group leaders last week, we shared how things were going and exciting things are afoot. The groups have developed characters of their own. Some groups linger over dinner – sharing in the table-fellowship so hard to come by over the last year. Other groups gravitate toward deeper discussions of the Scripture or about ways the group could serve the community. All of the groups are learning to pray for each other.
I want to extend an invitation to all members of the St. John’s community who have not yet joined a small group – you’re still welcome to join us! The best way to do this is to email Drew Collins or the church office.
Life Together 