OCTOBER, 2018

n Acts 2:42 we read that one of the four things the early church devoted itself to was fellowship. Scripture says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” The simplicity of this text has a way of calling us back to the centrality of the fellowship of believers in the life of the church. Early believers did not just “have fellowship,” but devoted themselves to fellowship because they believed that there was something edifying, restorative and life-giving about building relationships with one another and having God as the basis of their relationship.
And while much has changed about the modern church, our devotion to fellowship has not changed. Like the early Christians, our fellowship often includes a meal or a cup of coffee, time to get to know one another away from our busy lives, and the expectation that God will be with us—for “where two or three are gathered in God’s name, God will be there” (Mt 18:20). So, we understand fellowship as not merely a social practice, but a spiritual practice because it is a time when we believe that God is among us. It is a time when we might share our needs with one another, encourage each other, pray together, and comfort and edify one another with the reassurance of God’s presence. 
In Acts 2, scripture testifies that when believers gathered together that “awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.” Fellowship was a creative process, God’s creative process. And at Sharon Church we are committed to creating this space for God and believers as we practice fellowship every Sunday morning. This fall, if you haven’t already, please join your brothers and sisters in Christ for fellowship in Fellowship Hall at our new time, 10:00 a.m. until worship begins at 11:00. The Deacons of the church are hosting this hour and will be calling it “Fellowship Rocks.” There are comfortable rocking chairs, coffee, donuts and Deacons to offer a ministry of presence and care. Once a month, at “Fellowship Rocks,” Revs. George and Becky Branch-Trevathan will also facilitate “God Talk” during this fellowship time: casual conversation about God in our lives, God in the world, and questions we might have about God. The next “God Talk” will be on October 21st. 
In November, during “Fellowship Rocks,” we will be introducing “Mission Engagements” when the whole church is invited to come together for a missional purpose. Our hope is to have at least six “Mission Engagements” throughout the year. November 4th we will be assembling Christmas boxes for children for Operation Christmas Child. Please look for more details about OCC from Christian Education in coming announcements and newsletters. 
 
Pastor Becky

.