FELLOWSHIP FOOTNOTES
Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship
February 2005
The dictionary defines "comrade" as a friend, associate or companion; one who holds interests, occupation or activities in common with another. The term has origins in the word for "room;" the picture behind it is that of a "roommate" - especially applicable to you college students (at least after the first year). Comradery is the state of sharing those things together. The biblical word for this idea is "fellowship," from the Greek term "to share in common." This all was highlighted for me last week at Phantasy Camp. My roommate was my long time comrade (from decades ago!); about 150 guys shared rooms and meals together. But most importantly, we shared a common focus - baseball. Everything we did and most of what we said revolved around that common center. And it was wonderful.
Baseball is a game rich in tradition and history, in statistics and facts; it strikes an excellent balance between individual performance and team dynamic. This year I didn’t play as well, and neither did our team - though we should have; the level of competition seemed higher. But the comradery was definitely better. We had quite a range of individuals: lawyers, a physician, construction and landscape contractors, a state cop, business executives, a CPA, and a pastor. . . . But when we put on the Phillies uniforms and took the field, we were . . . comrades. The singular focus created an atmosphere of mutual encouragement, interdependence and teamwork. By the last day, I had really grown to like each of them. This dynamic is not unlike that which the apostle Paul outlines for the church:
To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. . . .
to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of
Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the
knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the
whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Speaking the truth in love,
we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:7, 12-13, 15-16
Our focus is Jesus Christ. He is what we share in common, specifically, our relationship with him. That is what creates the comradery - the fellowship. Though we are not all "roommates," it is in Jesus Christ that "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). The more we do and say with him at the center, the more we build comradery, the more we enjoy fellowship. Let’s "play ball!"
NEWS AND PRAYER UPDATES:
Thanks to all who organized and performed last week’s Youth Sunday. I heard great reports! We’ll have to make it an annual event (at least).
Pray for the Colgate Christian Fellowship - a new semester, a new leadership team, and a newly on-campus staff person (go Amber!).
Pray for health concerns for Dianne Button, Harvey Deiter, and Joe Glaze.
Continue to pray for the building project - particularly for funding, that we can continue early this spring.
THE QUOTE CORNER
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor
the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the
spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers
that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust
him with his friendship. My friends have come unsought.
The great God gave them to me.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR:
There is a Young Life Super Bowl Party, Sunday Feb. 6th, 5:30 at Barb Hipsley’s.
February 9th we will participate in an Ash Wednesday Service with Park Methodist and First Baptist, 7:00 at PUMC. It’s hard to believe that we are so soon entering the Lenten season! Easter is on March 27th.
Table Talks will be Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11th and 12th. Watch for sign ups this coming Sunday. We will discuss our worship, ministries and outreach as we look forward to being in the new building.
Friday, Feb. 11th, a new community youth group will commence at St. Thomas’ Episcopal, 7:00.
February Birthdays: 8 Carolyn Hsu; 12 Leroy Hodge; 16 Ashley Button; 23 Jeff Schindler; 25 Norm Button; 26 Nicole Smith