by Ken Thomas
In school we learned that life cycles of many animals and plants are interdependent on other organisms. I have heard that 90% of all pollination is done by the honeybee, and if it were to die out, the human race probably would die. Our life hangs on a fragile balance of nature, one provided by the goodness of God.
Humans also depend on each other. This week we have seen the stunning chaos and inconvenience caused when a "minor"? aspect of our school system -transportation -- is halted. The dedication and training of teachers, and the excellence of facilities, cannot overcome the need to get children to school.
There is a lesson here for the church. Ephesians 4 emphasized the need for the people with varied abilities --apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teacher--to work together for the growth of the early church. In fact, the body (church) of Christ grows strong and is built up when every part works properly. (See verses 11 - 16). This is still true today.
At the end of January we will launch a fresh effort to increase participation in Bible classes on Wednesday night as well as Sunday morning. We are not looking for a "one time blowout" in which we invite friends from other congregations to help us reach a "number." We hope, instead, to encourage regular attendance of our own members, and the inviting of visitors who may be apt to stay with us. In future weeks we will give more details about our goals for this effort. In the meantime, start talking to others about coming with you.