Being known is one of the deepest desires in life. To know and to be known. Not only as a face you say hello to but as a person. To laugh and cry with those around you whom you have walked through the ups and downs of life with.

As our reset is coming to a close and we gather together tomorrow as a church, how will you engage with someone else? This week is the year’s focus for us as a church with a connection with God and those around us. It seems like a simple task, but as you may have found this week, it takes some effort and can be uncomfortable. Unity is a crucial part of our life within the faith.

I hope you have read the whole book of Philippians this week to see the constant theme of community: gathering as the saints, supporting one another, and how we affect the community around us. The purpose of the church is not to be a family for an hour a week. It is not to have your few friends and a lot of acquaintances. But it is to encourage those around whom the LORD has placed in our midst to encourage! I have said many times, and it is true, you will not be best friends with everyone. But we can make an attempt to know people beyond a hello.