Community News 1/22/2025
COMMUNITY
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Community, you are a chosen people. God has done the work to make you His own. He chose all who call on the name of Jesus to be adopted into His family. You are no accident – and you are no orphan.
Community, you are a royal priesthood. A priest stands between God and people. Because you now stand in Jesus’ lineage, you are God’s priests to this world – coming before God on behalf of others, coming to others on behalf of God.
Community, you are a holy nation. To be holy is to be set apart for God’s presence – and God’s purposes. You aren’t bothering God; you were made for Him. And together, He invites us on join His most important work: blessing all people through His Son.
Community, you are God’s special possession. This could rightly be translated as “God’s treasured possession.” Of all God’s possessions (as a reminder, that’s all of creation; it’s all His!), you’re His most cherished treasure. He rejoices over you!
Think about each of these descriptions for just a moment.
- Each is a special act of God’s mercy.
- Each speaks to the heart of His intentions for you.
- Each gives testimony of God’s delight in you.
Get this: to be a part of the family of God is a big deal. Church is not some hobby or side hustle. We are God’s delight, a creation of His mercy, and a part of His mission to the world. So it’s right that we celebrate new partners – people who have expressed their commitment to Jesus and His mission, not in abstraction but hand-in-hand with the others who call Community home.
- If you’re a partner, this weekend you will have the opportunity to affirm these new partners by accepting their desire to become a partner here. Come by the partner table in the courtyard before or after service. New partner candidates include Nate St. John and Angelica Swan, Davy and Pam Zamora, Colson Ayars, and Deanna Zamora.
- If you’re not a partner, this is a great time to say, “I’m all in with Jesus and His mission here at Community.” If this is your heart, let me know (you can reply to this email). It’s an easy process – and may well help you be more intentional about your faith and your relationship to the people who make up Community.
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
P.S. Our next Partner Night is just around the corner. To partner together on the mission that Jesus has given us, we need to know our mission (the theme of the last Partner Night) and we need to know with whom we are partnering (the theme of this Partner Night). So, on February 23rd we’re hosting a Family Dinner – a relaxed time to share a meal and get to know others who call Community home. We’re getting spaghetti from Vince’s, and asking everyone to bring a favorite side, salad, or dessert. It’s Sunday, 2/23 at 5:30pm – RSVP HERE. If you’re a partner, this is for you. If you’re interested in partnership, this is for you too – a great opportunity to see what you’re getting into!
