Hello Church!

This Sunday we will have the privilege of hearing from Allison Coventry about the spiritual discipline of meaningful relationships. Allison is a gifted speaker, pastor, and leadership coach and we get to hear her preach from 1 John 1. The following is a small taste of what we will get to learn from Allison on Sunday.

Allison says,

"Finding meaningful relationships is often complicated. We may be surrounded by all kinds of people and still experience loneliness. The letter of 1 John talks about how three relationships work together in a way that brings joy and meaning.

The first is your relationship with yourself. This means knowing you are loved, seen, and cared for just as you are. No shame. No hiding. No filters.

The second is your relationship with God. This means knowing God loves you as you are. Jesus gave his life for you. God loves you just as you are. Your true authentic, vulnerable self — which includes what is broken and in need of healing.

The third is your relationship with others. This is about spending time with others. Be real and vulnerable and open with others who are real and vulnerable with you.

We love because God first loved us. The key to meaningful relationships begins with God’s love and then grows through our generously sharing it with others.

Here are some reflection questions as we prepare for this message Sunday:

- What has been difficult for you in experiencing meaningful relationships?
- What practices do you use to make your relationships more meaningful?
- Where do you feel stuck in your relationships?
- Do you have any relationships that have gone sideways? What might God be inviting you to do?
- How do you remind yourself that God loves you just as you are? How do you receive God’s love?
- What practices do you use to “walk in the light”, unfiltered, open, honest, and vulnerable with God and others?
- Who can you reach out to and connect with this week?

- Who in your sphere of influence can you intentionally reach out to so they experience love and care through your words and actions?"

Join us this Sunday for a transformational perspective on meaningful relationships. 

See you there!

Chelsea Maitland