Pentecost 5
We Are the Church Together
A reflection on what it means to be the church — not a building, but people who follow Jesus, come together, and serve the world.
What Is the Church?
I want to reflect with you on what it means to be the church. What is the church?
This is a church building — but people are the church. People are the church.
In the Beginning
In the beginning were the apostles, the first followers of Jesus. All who follow Jesus are the church.
Coming Together
The church is people coming together. They come together to pray. They come together to listen to stories from the Bible.
They're not all the same. There's a place for everyone.
Growing and Serving
In the church, we grow and learn the way of Jesus. In the church, we help people find their way. In the church, we help people when they're sick or troubled. Through the church, we help people in the world who are very poor.
There's a place for old and young.
Fellowship and Belonging
We also have fellowship together. In the church, we all belong together.
I am the church.
You are the church.
We are the church together.
Happy Birthday, Uniting Church
So, Uniting Church, happy birthday — and best wishes to all of you in being the church today.