THE RHYTHM OF REAL COMMUNITY

(Confession and Celebration)

BRAINSTORM

• Make it a practice to join a community of believers every week. For example, weekend services at your church, or a small group during the week when Sunday is not possible. We must make weekly gathering a priority—not because we always feel like it, or because it’s the most convenient (some of us drive quite a distance to attend our church’s services), but because we have a structure. We have a plan of staying connected to Jesus and His people.

New to an area? Google churches in your area, and try a couple near you. It’s good to attend one more than once to get a well-rounded feel for the community and teaching. Ask someone greeting you if you can find out more about the church, or meet someone on staff.

• Have a coffee date or monthly call planned with someone you trust where you openly and honestly share what you’re going through—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

• When you’re physically able, try to go to the birthday parties and baby showers and weddings you’re invited to.

• Invite people over to your house for a meal.

• Make a commitment to celebrate someone in your family once a month: your spouse hitting a goal at work, you finishing an important project, your kid getting a great grade in a class, etc. (It can be a simple adventure, like pizza or ice cream after school. Don’t think fancy; think fun.)

Brainstorm from the community

  • Each week my husband and I provide dinner and fellowship for 12 couples from our church. We review the Sunday sermon and discuss the passages and our related questions, and get to know what is going on in one another’s lives so we can pray with, support the needs of, and encourage one another. - Gillian F.

  • Once a month my husband and I host a "Church Family Potluck." After church on Sunday, we simply open our home to families from our church. Sometimes, we do fun activities like have a cooking competition (ie chili cookoff) or have a theme for the Potluck (ie superbowl snacks). Some people just stop in and others stay for hours. It is not just women who are finding community through these afternoons together, but also our husbands and our children. The conversations about God are always amazing! These afternoons really fill your cup! - Mary Alice S.

This page will continue to grow with Brainstorm ideas and Resources. To share some of your own rhythms or suggested resources, submit at the form on the main Personal Trellis page.