Letter From the Pastor
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage one another and build each other up.
Belonging Through Small Groups: Reflecting God’s Care
Small groups offer a vital space for pastoral care, providing support, connection, and spiritual growth within the church community. They embody the essence of belonging and reflect God’s care.
Reflecting God, the Good Shepherd, small groups offer pastoral care by providing compassionate support and practical assistance to one another. Through encouragement, care, and support, small groups create opportunities to deepen spiritually and enrich connections with others. They are vital spaces where people can share life experiences. Every person needs friends. We each need a group where we are known, cared for, and where we can both give and receive support. This is the essence of belonging—having a group to live life with.
For me, this sense of belonging came when I joined a small group at my church at the age of twenty. At that time, I was a member of a church that emphasized the importance of small groups and actively created ways for members to connect. We met weekly in members’ homes, and our conversations often revolved around God and life. When I was twenty, my concerns were primarily about romantic relationships, school, and career. Today, my concerns have shifted to work, family life, and paying bills. Throughout these seasons of life, my small group provided a safe space to share struggles, find support, and grow in faith. It was a place to be real, to belong, and to journey together.
Belonging is a fundamental human need. All people seek a place where they can be known, share life, and be part of something greater. This is one of the purposes for which God created the church. In 1 Thessalonians, we see the importance of healthy community and how it nurtures spiritual and personal growth. Community provides support, direction, and connection. It creates a sense that we belong to a group and share a common goal.
My hope is that every person in our congregation feels personally connected to our church community. We need a space where we can share our lives, build relationships, and experience the joys and challenges of life together. Belonging to a small group fosters this sense of community and encourages spiritual growth.
As we move forward, I encourage everyone to consider joining a small group. Let us reflect God’s love as the Good Shepherd by supporting one another, providing care, and cultivating a space where all can belong.
I hope you feel connected,
Pastor Anny+
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