Quest for Community

If you receive the Navigators publication Daily Walk for November, 2006 you've noticed a timely headline, "The Quest for Community." The publication makes the following points;

Many of us are part of a small group. Past research tells us that four out of 10 Americans belong to a small group the meets regularly and provides caring and support for its members. These are not simply informal gatherings of neighbors and friends, but organized groups: Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, ... youth groups, book discussion clubs, sports and hobby groups, and political or civic groups.

In spite of our reputation as rugged individualists, we Americans need others. We are, in fact, a nation of joiners. We are in a search for community, a sense of belonging. We are looking for what the Bible calls "fellowship."

The Navigators continue with a few other comments ends with a great Scripture verse, perhaps one that reflects what we intend for Bethel in 2007.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25