We’re here now!
Growing in Christ-centred community,
across two Sunday morning meetings.
Following a history of having gone to two meetings a few times, including planting out other churches and seeing the start of our other Kerith sites over the years — such as Reading Family Church, Kerith Sandhurst (which is now our Kerith Farnborough site), Kerith Windsor, Kerith Isle of Wight (which has recently moved from the west of the island to Newport) and Flow Church — it’s now another beautiful watershed moment in the life of Kerith Bracknell as we returned to two meetings again on our site this past Sunday, 8th September.
Since gathering again post-Covid, we’ve enjoyed having a single Sunday morning meeting and the privilege of getting to know each other better in this setting. However, as we’ve grown in numbers, (and struggled with a parking on a number of occasions!) we’ve seen the need to create space again for meaningful conversations and fellowship with each other, as we know that a healthy Jesus-centred community is preferable to a closed-off group focused on self-preservation.
Beccy and I shared in our joint message this past Sunday some descriptions of what it looks like to ‘create space for healthy growth’ in our growing church community.
What does a healthy Jesus-centred community look like?
We looked at four key aspects of a healthy Christian community, drawing examples from the book of Acts. Here they are outlined below:
What community does in Celebration and Worship (Acts 2:1-4, 42-47):
The early church gathered for worship and fellowship, celebrating a Jewish festival together and in obedience to Jesus’ instruction to gather together and wait to receive the Holy Spirit and power. Because they showed up, they experienced the Holy Spirit's presence.
Challenge: Are you intentional about attending church meetings and participating in worship?
What community does in Crisis (Acts 12:1-3, 6-7, 12-17):
The early church prayed together during times of persecution. When Peter was locked up awaiting execution, they interceded in prayer together for him and God orchestrated the miracle of his release with angelic assistance.
Challenge: Will you be a part of a praying community, supporting one another during difficult times?
What community does in Caring for Each Other (Acts 2:44-45):
The early church practiced radical generosity, sharing their possessions and being intentional in meeting each other’s needs.
Challenge: How can you show care and support for others in the church community? Will you be honest and share your struggles too and ask for help when needed.
What community does in Conflict (Acts 15:1-9, 22-35):
The early church navigated disagreements through open discussion and listening. In this we see the importance of unity over uniformity.
Challenge: Can you listen compassionately with the aim of understanding, even when you disagree?
It’s a a joy and privilege to see our two meetings started up again and to see so many of you in our church community play a significant and active role in making this happen. Yes, there’s still more to be done… Jesus is building His church and the gates of hell can’t prevail against it! We’re here now thanks to you and God’s grace. Let’s keep moving towards each other to be a healthy Jesus-centred community.
God’s blessings,
Pelumi Aworinde
Listen to the full preach on our Kerith Bracknell Podcast, here or wherever you listen to your podcasts: