Building Stronger Relationships in Christ

In the spring of 2020, when the COVID pandemic hit, churches across the country closed their doors. "That's OK," we were told, "The building is not the church." But if the church is not the building, then what is it? To help us answer this question, in the Bible we have the Great Commission, which is to make disciples, and the Great Commandment, which tells us to love one another. Another helpful source is the Book of Acts, from which we can use the early Church as a model. All of these suggest that being in relationship is foundational to being the Church.

How else can we deepen our experience as a church? This month, here at COS we’re preparing to establish Fellowship Groups. Sign-ups will begin in January for those who are interested, and the groups will begin to meet in March. We suggest that groups meet once or twice a month for 60–90 minutes to develop relationships, support and minister to each other in times of need, study and grow spiritually together, and support one other as we seek to discern and live out our calls to serve.

Groups will be provided with support and resources, although the members of each will decide how to spend their time together. Many will choose to begin with a discussion-based book study, while others may opt for a discussion-based Bible study. Some of you will choose groups that are geographically convenient, and others may be brought together by a common interest in a particular theme. Such existing groups as the Women’s and Men's Bible Studies will continue to function on their own. We will provide support and resources to any Fellowship Group on campus that expresses a need.

Participation in a small group can be transformative. We hope you will consider becoming a member of a COS Fellowship Group. To learn more, join us this Sunday, Jan.11, at the 9 am Adult Forum in Cleaver Hall. Questions? Please email info@cosepiscopal.org or call (626) 282-5147.