Issue #12 - The Fragrance of Fellowship

This spring, a packet of sweet pea flower seeds became a reminder of the beauty of growing in Christ together. Sweet peas are one of my favorite flowers, known for their pretty, ruffled blooms and wonderfully sweet fragrance. Sweet peas are lovely, but have a short vase life. This year, I decided to grow them from seed and hope to enjoy their blooms all summer.  

As I cared for them, I found myself appreciating every stage of their growth from sprouting seeds, to healthy shoots, to six inch seedlings, to strong, budding seedlings. This process reminded me that growth depends on more than one thing. A sweet pea cannot thrive on sunlight, water or fertilizer, alone. Each element provides something essential that the others cannot. Together, they help the plant reach its full potential. 

In the same way, our souls need nourishment through prayer, Scripture, worship, discipleship and fellowship. God never intended for us to grow in faith alone. He places us within a church family where each person brings unique gifts and experiences, and through sharing, love and encouragement, we help each other grow deeper in faith and become more like Christ.

As I look around our congregation, I am thankful for every brother and sister who is part of our Joy Church family, as well as those God will bring through our doors in the future, including our +One’s…His beloveds, each with a unique purpose in His kingdom. May we continue to nurture one another with patience, care, and encouragement, trusting that God is faithfully growing something beautiful in each of us.

-Christine