Colossians 4:7-18

In his final greetings, Paul names ten people who, to us, are strangers with hard-to-pronounce names but who were important players on Paul’s team. Reflecting on these relationships and the message of the whole letter, Pastor Dave drew several conclusions about church life.

Church life, which Dave defined as the pursuit of God within the structure He has provided, …

Is instructive. As we participate in church life, especially worship services and small group meetings, we receive instruction from the Bible. It’s easy to assume that the instruction is directed at someone else, not me. Ask the Lord to show you one specific thing you were taught in the last week that you need to do, not just hear.

Should be honest and transparent. Am I known at church? Or do I put on a façade, an act? It feels risky to reveal a weakness, a failure, or a struggle, but we are called to take the risk. Holy Spirit, show me the appropriate time and setting to let my guard down.

Should be diverse. Dave warned us not to judge who should, or should not, walk through our doors or who would, or would not, accept an invitation to come. Before the Lord, ask: Is there any judgmental attitude in me that could be a barrier to someone else?

Can be messy. Whenever people are involved, misunderstandings, disappointment, and conflict are inevitable. Pray that, when messiness happens, we will humbly seek resolution and restoration.

Is worth passing on. Pray that, as individuals and as a church body, we will be light in a dark world.

Calvary Family

If you attended the “Fostering Hope: Who Are Our Local Orphans?” event on Sunday between services, you know that Calvary’s local missions focus is now orphan care. One goal is to do a better job supporting Calvary families who already provide foster care. We can begin right away. Last week, Robert and Bethany Thompson welcomed a 3-month-old baby boy as a foster addition to their family. Please pray for this baby boy, whose start in life has been rough. Pray for the whole Thompson family as they enfold him with love and care for him.

Continue to pray for 8-year-old Sawyer Belleville. He has been diagnosed with histiocytosis, a rare disorder that causes over-production of white blood cells, which can lead to the formation of tumors. Sawyer will begin weekly chemo treatments this week to shrink the existing tumors. Please pray that the treatments will be effective. Also pray for Sawyer and his family as they adjust to a new normal during treatment that may last a year. One challenge will be the requirement that Sawyer stay out of public places – including school and church – because of the increased risk of infection during chemo.

Pastor Shannon read Hebrews 2:10-11 during communion on Sunday. He led us in reflecting on the truth that Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers, though he has ample reason to. Why, then, do we sometimes act as if we are ashamed of him and of his gospel, keeping our allegiance to Jesus so low-key as to be invisible? For many of us, the Thanksgiving holiday gives us time with friends and extended family who are not Christians. Pray for the ability to be who we are in Christ in all situations, openly. Pray that our relationship with Christ will be revealed in the natural flow of our actions and words.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea