Thoughts on Home Groups from our Virginia Roadtrip

The Trip
Yesterday, Kim, Nicole, Jessica and I left for Collinsville, Virginia.  We stayed overnight in Reidsville, NC before finishing our journey this morning.  Got to worship and fellowship with friends, Michael and Julie Harrison and their family.  Michael pastors the The Community Fellowship there in Collinsville (located near Martinsville, for all you NASCAR fans!) 

The Visit
We arrived in time for the morning service.  Worship time was sweet and Michael preaches with a passion that flows from his deep relationship with Jesus, his obvious love for his family and the people he pastors, and his love for the community around them in Henry County!  We got to hear about their recent trip to the LA Dream Center and their dream to begin one in Collinsville and of the incredible Hope that God wants us to know!  One of the other things that struck me in the service was the lady who shared about the power of Home Groups in her and her husband's life.  They came to know Jesus as a result of friends inviting them to church about a year ago and then were baptized.  And they are fed by Michael's teaching each Sunday.

The Take Away
But the home group has been the environment where they have really grown in their relationship with God.  What an amazing dynamic that while The Community Fellowship runs around 200 people on a Sunday, small enough that you'd think you could know everyone, the real fellowship and growth catalyst still comes from that Home Group environment where meeting, eating, studying, sharing, serving together open the doors and unlock the keys to their hearts!  We were designed for community.  Anything "we do" for God comes as a result of the work "He does" in us.  God uses those close to us to encourage us to remain in Him and welcome His work in our hearts.  That work becomes the fountain from which our service flows!  Many times, people in larger churches complain about growth as keeping them from enjoying the sweet fellowship of the good 'ol days, but in reality, no matter the size, we all need a small sized group (i.e. Home Group) that surrounds us with fellowship with people we can be real with. 

Your Thoughts on Home Groups?

Andrea BocelLeo and Celindy MacDion

Yep!!

• Prep

Getting ready to sing for my niece's wedding in 3 weeks. She called this week to see if I could sing "The Prayer" with one of my other nieces. I must say it's been a while since I've broken out the somewhat Operatic voice! I've been in a couple operas - back in the ol' college days, always as part of a men's chorus section. Even got to sing in Handel's Messiah a couple times. Good times... but that was 20 years ago! Most of my singing has evolved to a little more country/indie feel. My family smiles as I head down to the studio for a little practice session with Andrea and Celine. Nicole can't wait to hear me sing like that, Jessica says, "I only sing like Taylor Swift", Steve thinks it's epic to sing opera style, and Kim is pretty sure she'll have to leave the room when I sing at the wedding 'cause she won't be able to keep a straight face! Ahh, family : )

• 3 Weeks Away!

Truthfully, I'm really looking forward to the privilege of singing with my niece, Cindy MacDonald, one of Canada's premiere female vocalists! Cindy is a very versatile musician, with many vocal styles at her command, and an accomplished pianist. It will be a lot of fun!

• Health

So I am in Uber-healthy mode, downing vitamin-C and Airborne. A musician's nightmare is a scratchy throat as performance day approaches! Your prayers for Cindy and I are much appreciated!

Sincerely,  Andrea BocelLeo

Thoughts From St. Arbucks Workspace

It's kind of nice to be able to work from anywhere these days. Got a few hours between appointments today, so I pulled into a local Starbucks for some free wi_fi. We really live in a connected world anymore. Now normally I'm a Dunkin Donuts guy, but Starbucks works in a pinch too.

A lot going on in my life right now. Having to juggle different work responsibilities and roles and I'm hoping to narrow things down a bit in the next few weeks.

Excited about what God is doing at our church right now. I've lost count of how many people have given their lives to Jesus in the last few months (He hasnt!) Also excited to learn more about some ways we can serve our communities in the coming days. Our family is ready!

That's all, time to get a little work done.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8