Muffins, Egg Casserole, and Pretzels with a side of Fellowship

Growing up I thought fellowship was about telling the elders of the church that school was “good” while waiting in line for a muffin, egg casserole, and pretzels in a room the church voted to name “Fellowship Hall.” I thought fellowship was about comparing casseroles and baked goods, while pretending to care about the conversations people were trying to have with me (what can I say, I grew up Methodist and we like to eat!).  My understanding was that fellowship was contained in the “Fellowship Hall” (come on guys...it was a gymnasium) and when I left, those conversations, emotions, and food stayed in that place.

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However, fellowship isn’t about who bakes the best muffins (come on Ken, we know you bought yours a Rutters across the street) - it’s about the relationship between believers.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BELIEVERS

(CONVENIENT TITLE, HUH?)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

--Acts 2:42-47

In the past year, I’ve learned that fellowship isn’t just about something that happens in the a place of worship. Fellowship can extend beyond that (as it did in the early church). Fellowship is about being together - physically and spiritually.

I’ve been challenging myself lately to lean into others’ lives and see what is going on, pray for others when I promise to (and even when I don’t), share how God is moving in my life, and stepping into others’ brokenness.

When you lean into each other’s faith a bond forms like no other - fellowship.

When you pray for those around you (and they pray for you) a spiritual connection takes shape - fellowship.

When you share what God is laying on your heart with others a relationship strengthens - fellowship.

When you break bread together (see Lesson 2 of this blog) a friendship fortifies - fellowship.