“So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.

Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.  Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house.” Acts 2:41-46 (Holman Christian Standard Version)

“And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24,25 (Holman Christian Standard Version)

The early church was remarkable for their commitment to fellowship and community. It appears to be one of the factors which drove the growth of the first century church. They worshiped together, ate together, learned together, and grew together. The writer of Hebrews thought it so important that he urged his audience to worship together faithfully and that, if practiced, would lead to them encouraging each other.

The Covid pandemic has upset many of our daily routines, and it has required that the church fellowship adapt accordingly. For a while we were online only. We have been “mask optional” and “mask only.” We stream the services to an online audience who cannot attend in person.

So now New York state has, at least for now, lifted the state-wide mask mandate. As we follow the state-wide mandates, masks will once again be optional for those who have been vaccinated and boosted. I think this is a good time for us to think about how we can recommit to imitating the first century church. Let’s “devote ourselves to the fellowship” once again.

It’s time to strengthen relationships once again, to find ways to fellowship once again, to grow together spiritually once again. If the pandemic is indeed beginning to weaken, then it is our time to strengthen each other!

Here at Ridgeland, our plan to do that launches on February 27th. This year’s Scaling the Summit series is called “Taking Root,” and it will be a time of connection, fellowship, and spiritual growth that we as a church fellowship can enjoy together. Will you join us in this adventure? Registration can be done at the table in the church foyer, or you can call or email me and I will register you. Four different small group options are available, and each registrant will receive a workbook.

I hope to work alongside each of you as we embark on the journey of Taking Root!