I was at a church cookout last night and met a lady who'd only been attending church services for 3 weeks. You would've thought she'd been there much longer by the way several people recognized her, spoke with her, and asked her about her son (who was hanging out with other youth). This person/family had a different background then probably most of the congregation. But she is seen, welcomed, and known. She spoke gratefully of the emails her son receives addressed to him from the youth group. After 3 weeks of attendance. This encouraged me to see the body of Christ being like Jesus.
Jul 25, 2022·edited Jul 25, 2022Liked by Kelly Keller
There’s so much grace @ OBC, but here’s one example…
this year I went through something hard, and church members brought me meals, flowers, cards, offered hugs, company, & even their guest rooms should I need a place to stay. They sat with me when I really needed it, and pointed me back to Christ over and over through their actions and words.
Not only was I strengthened and helped by them in that moment, but I now feel better equipped to walk with others through their suffering. It encouraged me to not be so afraid of stepping into other peoples’ sadness. I will always look back on that season with greater belief in the Lord’s loving kindness to His people.
Jul 25, 2022·edited Jul 25, 2022Liked by Kelly Keller
Can I do more than one? (hopefully)
Some people at my church went through the book “Talking About Race” by Isaac Adams. An older couple in our church (in their 80’s) sought to listen, learn, and plead with God on behalf of their brothers and sisters who are oppressed. Their desire to humbly learn was such an example to me
Our pastor has been on a 6 week sabbatical… it's a small church, and Jason and his family tend to do a lot. It's been amazing-verging-on-miraculous to watch our church body rally and make sure everything's done. It's been truly good for everyone, not just our dear pastor who gets a much-needed break.
My husband and I consistently say that the thing keeping us in Charlotte is our sweet church family. Neither of us have biological family for at least 150 miles, and yet, this community of believers is the conduit by which the Lord has held us fast these past 6 years - in singleness, dating, and marriage. This ordinary means of grace is indeed extraordinary.
So thankful for church community who knows us and asks such good questions abt our lives! Even as we had a crying baby on our shoulder, friends came over as we were leaving a church event to check in and ask abt some recent life events. It’s hard with kids around to get into those true meaty discussions but being asked intentional questions allows us to do that even when we don’t have much time.
When we had Covid, a friend reached out to ask what we needed. I, surprisingly, answered honestly - “Meals would be helpful”. So, she put a meal train link out. A fellow church member who I hadn’t met yet reached out and offered to Door Dash us some medicine for Will and snacks and food for us. It was so thoughtful and helpful! And encouraging.
I was at a church cookout last night and met a lady who'd only been attending church services for 3 weeks. You would've thought she'd been there much longer by the way several people recognized her, spoke with her, and asked her about her son (who was hanging out with other youth). This person/family had a different background then probably most of the congregation. But she is seen, welcomed, and known. She spoke gratefully of the emails her son receives addressed to him from the youth group. After 3 weeks of attendance. This encouraged me to see the body of Christ being like Jesus.
There’s so much grace @ OBC, but here’s one example…
this year I went through something hard, and church members brought me meals, flowers, cards, offered hugs, company, & even their guest rooms should I need a place to stay. They sat with me when I really needed it, and pointed me back to Christ over and over through their actions and words.
Not only was I strengthened and helped by them in that moment, but I now feel better equipped to walk with others through their suffering. It encouraged me to not be so afraid of stepping into other peoples’ sadness. I will always look back on that season with greater belief in the Lord’s loving kindness to His people.
Psalm 94:18
Can I do more than one? (hopefully)
Some people at my church went through the book “Talking About Race” by Isaac Adams. An older couple in our church (in their 80’s) sought to listen, learn, and plead with God on behalf of their brothers and sisters who are oppressed. Their desire to humbly learn was such an example to me
*throws voice* yeah I heard that book was good
Our pastor has been on a 6 week sabbatical… it's a small church, and Jason and his family tend to do a lot. It's been amazing-verging-on-miraculous to watch our church body rally and make sure everything's done. It's been truly good for everyone, not just our dear pastor who gets a much-needed break.
Is this a safe space for this very Baptist reader to admit that he really loves weekly communion?
My husband and I consistently say that the thing keeping us in Charlotte is our sweet church family. Neither of us have biological family for at least 150 miles, and yet, this community of believers is the conduit by which the Lord has held us fast these past 6 years - in singleness, dating, and marriage. This ordinary means of grace is indeed extraordinary.
So thankful for church community who knows us and asks such good questions abt our lives! Even as we had a crying baby on our shoulder, friends came over as we were leaving a church event to check in and ask abt some recent life events. It’s hard with kids around to get into those true meaty discussions but being asked intentional questions allows us to do that even when we don’t have much time.
When we had Covid, a friend reached out to ask what we needed. I, surprisingly, answered honestly - “Meals would be helpful”. So, she put a meal train link out. A fellow church member who I hadn’t met yet reached out and offered to Door Dash us some medicine for Will and snacks and food for us. It was so thoughtful and helpful! And encouraging.