Christians cannot survive spiritually on their own. They find the support, fellowship and the opportunity to serve that they need, only by being part of a group of believers, the church. Let me explain, by using 3 little stories and a hymn.

      "Long, long ago in a village of crafty and careful peasants, the village Chief arranged a great community Celebration. He prepared a great Oak Cask and told each family to put a wineskin of their best wine into the Cask. He said, if each one supplies us with his best there will be sufficient for all of the best quality. One crafty peasant thought, if everyone else puts in their best wine, no-one will notice if I just pour in water and let the others put in their best. My little bit won't be missed. Finally on the day of the Celebration the Oaken Cask was tapped and only water poured out. Everyone thought that their contribution was so small that it would not be missed. And so there was nothing at all."

      "Up the Fraser Canyon on a side road to the west of North Bend lies a lonely abandoned farmstead. The house has been destroyed by fire and the barn is falling down."

      "There is evidence of an attempt to have a garden and some shrubs and trees have survived the passing years. In what used to be a flowerbed near the ashes of the house a lone yellow tulip blooms almost smothered by the encroaching weeds. The tulip is very small and is almost choked by weeds. As I saw it I wondered how many years can it survive all by itself?"

      This is like our Christian life; alone we shrink and perhaps fade away; together we stand strong encouraging each other. We all need each other in the Church."

      "In the city of Pasadena, California a man was waiting for an appointment. He put in the time in Pasadena's famous rose Garden. At the appointment a friend commented: "I know where you were. You were in the Rose Garden. The perfume of the roses has stayed with you." The sweetness of Christ remains with those who stay with Him."

      Carol Rose Ikeler wrote this hymn describing what the church should be.

"The church is wherever God's people are praising,
Singing His goodness for joy on this day.
The church is wherever disciples of Jesus
Remember His story and walk in His way.


"The church is wherever God's people are helping,
Caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The church is wherever God's people are sharing
The words of the Bible in gift and in deed."

      Remember, you are the Church. You are needed in worship, service, and witness.

In His fellowship,
Floyd McPhee