Saturday In the Park

Chicago sang the hit song, "Saturday In the Park."  I Love that song, the band and the story.  It tells of laughter, fun, ice cream, smiles, singing and people interacting joyfully!  I can dig it.  (you gotta know the lyrics)

That is what the church is supposed to be like.  We are supposed to enjoy fellowship and rejoice together in the presence and service of God.  The New Testament uses the Greek word Koinonia to describe fellowship.  This word highlights the fellowship of the church as one of deep commitment and love, but it also illustrates deeper truths concerning our mission.  The word can also mean "partnership."  When one thinks about our place in relationship to God it is hard to consider this a partnership with Him, but that is exactly what it is. Old Testament speaks of a covenant relationship with between God and His people.  The New Testament points to a New Covenant relationship.  This is much more than a contract and It is not just a ceremonial covenant, but it is a daily commitment to walk with God and God to walk with us.

I Corinthians 3:9 teaches that "we are God's fellow workers."  In essence, we who confess Jesus as Lord  are in a partnership with one another in carrying out the work of the church and we are also in a partnership with Almighty God to fullfil His mission.  The promise of God is that when we place our lives in God's hands, He works in and through us.  Thus, the challenge of Galatians 2:20 becomes empowering to those of us who walk with God.  "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."


This morning we went to Heritage Plaza in downtown Longview for the Cancer Survivors Celebration and Walk.  It was a blast!  There was with fun conversation, food, entertainment, fundraising for American Cancer Society and people walking in support of a cure.  It was a joyful celebration of our survivors.  I am thankful to have a mother who is a survivor.  We are blessed!  As I watched the celebration today, I was reminded that It would have been terribly difficult, if not impossible, for her to make that walk through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation without partners to encourage her and assist her.  The whole event today is a partnership of numerous community organizations, local businesses, government agencies, churches, etc.  Seeing all the people together joyfully celebrating and serving a cause reminded me of who we are to be as the church.

Every day in the church is supposed to be like Saturday in the park.

I can dig it!