To encourage is to build community. Beyond the initial actions of welcoming people into the community are ministries of friendship and support. Encouragement is the cluster of friendly attitudes and actions that forge relationship, building a diverse set of people into a community in Christ.

Encouragement makes it possible to cross lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, politics, economic class, educational level, and generation. Common social skills are transformed by the presence of the Holy One into acts of discipleship whereby the body of Christ is continually built up and strengthened for mission and ministry.

The word “community” is rooted in sharing. Shared experiences, shared values, and shared space lead to community. The church shares the love of God, the forgivneness of sin through Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit who continually calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies us.

What does it look like to gather a diverse group of people into community?

Take some time to reflect on the attitudes and actions that promote community. What are the attitudes and actions that tend to divide or break up community?

What are some real-life acts of encouragement that will make your congregation a stronger faith community?

Let us pray.
Beloved God, you have made us all in your image. We thank you for the wonderful variety of interests, abilities, and backgrounds represented here. Enrich our lives by an ever-widening circle of fellowship. Show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until we are made perfect in love for you and love for all your children. Amen.

Readings that invite you to go deeper:
Psalm 133; Matthew 18:1-5; Matthew 18:20;  Acts 15:1-21; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 Peter 3:8-11

Growing Disciples Bulletin Insert

The July bulletin insert is now ready. These inserts are a starting point and will include an introduction to the monthly theme and an invitation to delve deeper. 

Each time an insert is sent out, you will be able to access it as a PDF that is ready to print double-sided. The PDF is for standard letter-size paper and is made so two inserts are on each page. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Mack Patrick, click here to email them.

To access the PDF insert, please click here.

Encouraging Resources

Additional resources will be added throughout the year.

  • ELCA Seven Faith Practices - Encourage
    • Living Faith in Daily Life: A four-session small group study exploring life in community.
  • Know Your Neighborhood: Worksheet and Guide
    • This updated guide provides suggestions for finding data related to several areas that impact food security: housing, employment and food access. Statistics, numbers and other data can help communicate the impact of your ministry, encourage supporters and identify possible areas for growth or change. Data can help you and others know more about the challenges our neighbors face ? and the assets that are available in a community.
  • Our Voices, Our Stories