Early last year in Pontiac, Michigan, a contractor made the startling discovery of a mummified body in a foreclosed home. It was later determined that the woman had been dead for at least five years. Her body was outfitted with winter clothing in the back seat of her Jeep in the attached garage. The key was in the ignition but not turned on. Because all of her bills were automatically deducted from her bank account, everything seemed normal, including the maintenance of her lawn. When her money ran out, the house went into foreclosure and led to the realization that an entire neighbourhood had functioned for five years without ever noticing her passing.
Stories like that illustrate our great need to have community with other people. People need to be connected with others. You need people in your life who can spur you on to greater things, who can be there for you in your darkest hour and who can celebrate with you in your happiest moments. That is why God has always encouraged his people to be in community with one another. God left us an instruction manual for living called the Bible, and in it one reads, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV). We were designed to be in community, and good community makes us better people!
the house went into foreclosure and led to the realization that an entire neighbourhood had functioned for five years without ever noticing her passing.
Where are you going to experience community? Would people notice that you were gone if you passed away tonight? Would they care? If you are in need of community, might I suggest attending your local church? The church I pastor believes in the importance of experiencing community with each other and with Jesus Christ. In fact, we just changed our name to Abundant Springs Community Church in order to reflect that belief. This town and the surrounding area has many great churches where you can find the community you are looking for; be sure to check one out this Sunday!
--Pastor Stephen Valcourt
Lead pastor at Abundant Springs Community Church
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This article first appeared in the Pincher Creek Echo in April 2015.
What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever given? Do you remember the recipient’s expression as he or she opened it? Do you remember the feeling it gave you to know that you had just brought a little bit of joy to that person? Now, what if I told you there was a way to give a gift that is even more meaningful and that will impact numerous people at once—people who otherwise may not have anything to eat this Christmas?
With only a month until December 25th, it seems fitting to encourage you to remember those who are less fortunate this year. After all, we celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus Christ: God’s only Son who came to provide hope for the hopeless and eternal life to all those who would turn from their rebellion and follow Him. What better way to celebrate He who gave Himself to help us than to give a little of what we have to help others?
We live in a technologically interconnected world. At the touch of a finger we can transport our ideas around the globe and communicate with people who are miles away. More than at any other time in history, people should have a sense of connectedness, yet it seems that just the opposite is happening. As we have traded deep and meaningful relationships for low-maintenance online “friendships”, many of us have driven ourselves into isolation. Some of you may object to this line of thinking and point to your seven hundred Facebook friends, thousands of Twitter followers, and successful Instagram feed as proof that you are not isolated. However, if you invited all these online friends to your home to help you get over a bad breakup or to help you move, how many of them would show up? A lot of us live in isolation and many don’t even realize it. However, there is a cure.
What if I told you that there are places in nearly every community around the world where you can build genuine friendships with your neighbours, where there are people who will find ways to help and support you through difficult times, and where you can receive love and acceptance? If you feel isolated, I encourage you to check out your local church on Sunday. I can’t promise that any church will be perfect, and I must warn you that real relationships can be messy. Nevertheless, the local church exists not only to celebrate the freedom that Jesus gives us, but also to provide a place where you can receive the love of God and find new friends.
I once saw a photo of a turtle lying on its back with its feet in the air. On it someone had cleverly added the word: “Stuck?” This picture was good for a laugh; however, the truth is this image resonates with an unfortunate number of people! It seems almost everyone wrestles with some form of feeling stuck: stuck in fear, stuck in exhaustion, or even stuck in purposelessness. It is a vulnerable and hopeless place to be, but what if I told you there is a way to start getting un-stuck?
If you feel like you can’t move forward because of your fear of rejection, fear of the future, or feelings of helplessness you should know that there is someone who will never leave you, who knows what the future holds and has a plan for you, and who has the strength to help you through any situation. If you are tired and stressed out from working too hard to be who you think you should be, there is someone who says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” If you can’t find your purpose, there is someone who made each person with a purpose in mind.