This past Sunday, we began a two-week sermon series called “The Power of 12 Revisited” exploring Romans 12. Last fall, we kicked off the year with a similar series on 1 Corinthians 12. In both of these chapters, Paul addresses the importance of believers working together in love in the body of Christ. It seems providential that both of these chapters lifting up the power of community are twelfth chapters, because the number “12” itself almost always symbolizes community – whether it’s the 12 tribes of Israel or the 12 disciples.
This summer I‘ve had the chance of experiencing the power of community in different ways. Two weeks ago, I had the chance to join with thousands of other Disciples for our General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. This past week, I’ve had the pleasure of spending the week with young adults from around the country at a wonderful ministry called Advance Conference.
Of all the communities to which I am connected in some way, there is none more important than the one I call my church family. It is where I do the hard and joyful work of living out my faith every day. And I am glad it is with all of you!