2024 Key Verse: Ephesians 4:16
From Jesus, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (NIV)
2024 Theme: Connectivity: The church is connected to Jesus and each other.
Connected to Jesus (as the head is to a body)
Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20). Well, now he does. He’s laid his head on the Church.
The church is connected to Jesus. The members of the church are connected to each other:
In our Key Verse, the apostle says that a community of Christians is joined and held together by every supporting ligament.
(Medicine Plus website) a ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone, holds structures together, and keeps them stable.
From Jesus, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, [what does it do?] grows and builds itself up in love, [How?] as each part does its work.
In other words, each of us is vital for our church community’s health and strength.
It’s not always easy to love the church. There have been some pretty ugly headlines in recent years about pastors, priests, and church leaders. I understand it’s all been too much for some people who’ve walked away. But God doesn’t have a plan B. I believe that Jesus rests his head on his body, the church and desires to work in and through us so that God’s will be done on earth even as it is in heaven.
Why am I a part of a church? (7 Reasons)
*1. Community.* I love the intergenerational relationships that you won’t find in many places. A sense of connection to all sorts of people I wouldn’t otherwise know (comment).
In a genuinely intergenerational church like Bayside, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a child, a youth or a young adult.
Adults with children find opportunities to meet with other parents.
2. Care. We can pray for and support each other when we face a crisis. Christians are the Body of Christ in which each individual member plays a crucial and connected part.
1 Cor. 12:26, If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.
3. Serving. Within the church community & beyond.
- Impact. Of being part of something bigger than me.
Being part of a church extends my vision beyond myself. It helps me overcome selfishness and satisfies me by working with others to achieve common goals.
5. Spirituality. We are immersed in a tradition that goes back thousands of years in the church. We step away from life’s to-do list each week, enter a literal sanctuary, and explore words written by ancient peoples under the inspiration of God. In our weekly gatherings, we access what psychologists say brings healing to our bodies, minds and souls — singing together, caring for one another, and receiving forgiveness. And, of course, Jesus is at the very centre of our spirituality. We are deeply loved by God and invited to participate in all the goodness, beauty, grace, joy, love, and peace of who God is. We encounter Jesus more fully when we gather together.
6. Authenticity. A safe place to be yourself, ask questions and express doubts.
Inclusion Statement: At Bayside Church, we believe that every person is created in God’s image. All are equally worthy of respect, dignity, and love, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, ability, race, or ethnicity. The inclusion statement is a recognition that the church has not always done well with including people on the margins and that we have been downright unkind to certain groups within society. We can do better; at Bayside Church, we have promised to do better.
7. Focus.
We can easily drift, but by habitually gathering with other believers, we become centred and drawn towards Jesus.
Being part of a church community keeps us practical, centred and focused.
Ultimately, it’s all about Connectivity: From Jesus, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work.
We’ll explore the many facets of the Connectivity theme throughout 2024.
Discussion Questions
Share together the reason(s) you love being a part of Bayside Church.
Read and discuss Paul’s illustration of the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. What stands out to you?
If you have a medically-trained person in your group, ask them to share about the importance and function of ligaments in the human body. How does this relate to the church?
The church grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work. How do you (or how could you) serve your Church community?
Watch and discuss the Generation Gap Lamb commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1e0apyGASc.
Being connected to a local church provides the experience of being part of something bigger than we are. How has being part of a church helped you achieve much more in life than you would have on your own?
Psychologists speak about the healing benefits of communal singing, caring for one another, and receiving forgiveness. Share your experiences of these things and how they have brought wholeness.
Discuss: Church should be a safe place to be yourself, ask questions and express doubts.