January 9, 2016 - Church at Worship

Sermon: “Christian koinonia”  - by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Dustin Aho

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14–17, TNIV

Children's Feature: TBD

Sermon Notes:

 2016. We’re almost two weeks into the new year—long enough to know that some of our best-laid plans have gone astray. Also long enough to realize that we will need the grace of God just as surely this year as we ever have before. And finally, plenty long enough to know that God’s grace is still available, in abundance, for every soul who asks. I suspect one other thing is true: we are also deep enough into the New Year to recognize our ongoing yearning for human intimacy and connection.

Toward the end of last year, I spoke of the importance of the word community. As I ponder life at LLUC, it is one of the words that continues to intrude into my thoughts. I have always recognized the importance of community in a church’s life, but never more so than I do now. In an increasingly lonely and frightening world, people long for community, for connection, for relationship.

Today, as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we turn our thoughts toward “Christian koinonia.” What is that, you ask? In a word, it is Christian community. Other words describe it: fellowship, camaraderie, connection, relationship, friendship. It is what we were created to enjoy. Miss out on it and we miss out on some of the deepest joys of being human.

And the Lord’s Supper, the communion service, teaches us something about Christian community. So won’t you please join me at the table? It may be there that we find deep community.

Randy Roberts, Senior Pastor