This week, we've focused on what builds relationships and what destroys them.  We got interrupted in the middle by the events of the week, and that's okay, because what really makes relationships grow is when we come together in community in the name of Jesus to support brothers and sisters in their times of need.  In fact, Jesus said, " ³⁵By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:35 NKJV 

This week I have seen more people showing more love for one another in and through New Life and in the greater Saxonburg community than ever before.  That love has crossed boundaries of age and church affiliation or non-affiliation.  I have been so proud of our New Life family in the many ways you have stepped up to support and encourage the Summers family in the loss of their daughter, Alex on Tuesday night.  You have visited. You have prayed.  You have stood in line for hours at the funeral home.  You prayed for God to uphold the worship team for yesterday's Service of Witness to the Resurrection and more than 500 people heard the Good News that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord in every situation, that He's the difference that makes all the difference! 

We have passed the first part of the test of growing together in the face of tragedy, and now we move on to the next part:  The daily time that starts now for Brian and Tammy.  The time when everyone gets back to life as normal except them.  Alex won't be home tonight, or tomorrow night, or ever in this life.  We have the opportunity to continue to show them love, to show the young people of our community who lost a wonderful friend and role model that the love of Jesus they have seen in us this week is normal--the circumstances were tragic--but the people of New Life love each other and love our guests who come each week because we love Jesus and we know that He calls us to love one another!

I can't wait for tomorrow morning!  I've heard from many folks in the community that they'll be coming to worship tomorrow.  They have become interested in New Life, because of the events of the week, because they've seen the love of Jesus.  My prayer is as they come we will continue to grow together by loving one another, those we've known a long time and those we will meet for the first time tomorrow.  God IS glorified when His people live together in love and peace, and only His peace can sustain us and cause us to grow together in times such as these.  Pray for God to work in us today and tomorrow and for every day He gives us, that we may grow in love and in our willingness to show it and share it with one another every day!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You that in all things You work for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purposes.  Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may do our part to love one another in the name of Jesus each and every day.  This we pray in His name.  Amen.