Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5.1, 2

Life Together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
“In the spiritual realm the Spirit governs; in human community, psychological techniques and methods. In the former naïve, unpsychological, unmethodological, helping love is extended toward one’s brother; in the latter psychological analysis and construction; in the one service of one’s brother is simple and humble; in the other service consists of a searching, calculating analysis of a stranger.”

We can’t build unity with programs and projects, or gimmicks and games. We need love, expressed first in thanksgiving, then in various kinds of service. Words of encouragement are service. Meeting together to pray and worship is service. Joining hands for witness, diaconal ministry, and the fellowship of the Supper is service. The world’s way of trying to hold itself together is manifestly not working. The Church holds the key – the rule of the Spirit, pointing, leading, and transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. As the Spirit prevails in building our churches, we will become more grateful, more loving, and more inclined to serve one another, and to serve together. But where does this happen? Hardly anywhere. Are we just too busy running our own programs to reach out in the love of Christ to the rest of His Body? Today, take a step to connect with some part of the Body of Christ beyond your own church. You may be surprised at what the Spirit might do.

What are some of the obstacles keeping the churches in your community from having greater visible unity?

T. M. Moore

Kingdom and Church
What is the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ? How does the Church advance the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? What is my role as a member of that Body and a citizen in that Kingdom in bringing the Good News of Jesus to my world? These and related questions are addressed in our course One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview. Using videos, worksheets, study guides, and other resources, you can set your own schedule and study at your own pace through this free, online resource. For more information and to register, click here.

Mission Partners Outreach
Pastor, here’s a great resource to encourage the men in your church in their walk with and work for the Lord. This six-month, stay-at-home mission training regimen will get your men praying and reaching out to the people in their Personal Mission Field, and will provide a free resource for ongoing discipleship training in your church. Watch the brief video introducing this effort (click here), then download the brochure, find a man or two, and get started equipping the men of your church for mission.

I’m often asked how The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported. Our heavenly Father supports us through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.