Reading: Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Reflection

Years ago, we had a pastor start up a “Koinonia Cafe” at our church. The idea was our old standard “coffee hour”, where certain Sundays after church services were over, we would head to the fellowship hall for cookies and coffee. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and checking in with each other to see how life was going. Years later, this “coffee hour” took on its new name, “Koinonia Cafe”. We learned the term Koinonia was the Greek word for fellowship, or time together. Fun times were shared among our Pennsylvania Dutch folks trying to say that word correctly. Over the years though, it has stuck and been a wonderful time of food and fellowship. Much like the followers of Jesus in Acts today we would come together to enjoy each other’s company. Those first Christians in the book of Acts devoted time to not only teaching and praying but to fellowship. Time to just be together as the body of Christ. Fellowship is a very important part of who we are Christ’s followers. We are called to be the body of Christ together. We are one body with many parts. Let us rejoice in the diversity and oneness we share as the body of believers and cherish those relationships.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, strengthen our relationships with our fellow members of the body of Christ. Help us to reach out to friends and neighbors who need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Join us as one in this body we share and help us to grow in our faith as we witness your love and grace to others.

Amen.