Fitting In

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. (Ephesians 1:13)

Maybe it's because I grew up as a missionary kid, was a bit of a nerd in high school, and have moved too often in my adult life--but I am a bit obsessed about fitting in. I know what it's like to feel out of place, awkward, and oblivious to the inside jokes. I also know what it's like to be included, to be welcomed, to be graciously received, to be an outsider treated as an insider.

The book of Ephesians addresses those who were "once far away" (2:13)--from God, from Israel, from the fellowship of the promise. Ephesians reminds us of the good news that in Christ we have been brought near, given access, joined together with the rest of God's people. To Paul, this is central to the mystery of the gospel: people of different backgrounds are "members together of one body" (3:6), "joined and held together," (4:16), living a shared life as "God's holy people" (5:3).

Ephesians reminds us of the good news that in Christ we have been brought near, given access, joined together with the rest of God's people.

That's why we like getting together, at all sorts of times and in all sorts of ways, from Sunday worship to game nights or movie nights. It may sound silly, but doing trivia or puzzles togethers may be just as important as Bible study. We need lots of opportunities to take what God teaches us in Scripture and apply it in a shared life where we know, love, and serve one another. And part of that is giving everyone an opportunity to get to know each other a little better, to feel welcomed and comfortable, to really know that we are joined together in Jesus.

Whether you're a long-time member of this congregation or a newcomer, I pray that you have lots of opportunities to fit in with the family of God at Laughlintown Christian Church.

• This Sunday (March 15) we are having our normal 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. worship.

• On Saturday, March 14, at 6 p.m., we are having Wings and Trivia at the church; please come and join the fun, and invite a friend.

• As Easter approaches, Ligonier is holding community services on Wednesdays at noon, with a 12:30 lunch to follow. The next three will be at Saint James Lutheran Church, and friends of mine from neighbor churches will be speaking; I bring the message on March 25.

• We're having special services on Palm Sunday (March 29) and on Easter (April 5). On Easter, come prepared to stay after for a congregational picture.

• We're joining Christian Church of Waterford for Maundy Thursday service (April 2, 7 p.m.) and hosting our own Good Friday service (April 3, 6:30 p.m.)

Jesus brings us all together. If you aren't already included in another fellowship of believers, I invite you to come and be included here!

--Jonathan