Yesterday was such a wonderful Fifth Sunday service and a beautiful reminder of the blessing God has given us in our church family. There is something about gathering together and having the opportunity to come alongside our young families as they seek to raise their children to know, love, and faithfully follow Jesus. What a privilege to help these children and families.

This morning I was reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14–15, where he encourages Timothy to continue in the truths he had learned and reminds him that “from childhood” he had known the Sacred Writings. Long before Timothy became a faithful servant and leader in the early church, the Word of God was being planted within his heart. Those early seeds took root and helped prepare him for a lifetime of faithfulness, and service to Christ.

What a wonderful reminder for all parents, grandparents, Bible Study teachers, and our entire church family. Of all the things we might give to our children, there is no greater treasure than the Word of God. We can give them opportunities and experiences, provide them with education, teach them skills, and prepare them for success in countless ways and all of those things can be good gifts, but nothing compares to giving them a heart and mind saturated with Scripture. Long after many of the things of this world have faded, God’s Word remains. It will never fail. It is a lamp to our feet and a firm foundation.

As we move into September and begin looking ahead to the fall, I also want to encourage you to remember the tremendous blessing of being deeply connected to the Body of Christ. Your presence matters. There is something powerful about the simple faithfulness of God's people gathering together week after week. When you come to worship, participate on Wednesday nights, attend a special event, serve in a ministry, or simply spend time in fellowship with one another, you are doing more than filling a seat or attending another activity. You are becoming part of the encouragement God provides to His people. Your voice joins others in worship. Your conversation may lift a weary heart. Your handshake, hug, prayer, testimony, or simple presence may be exactly the encouragement someone else needs that day.

The Christian life was never intended to be lived alone. God has graciously placed us within a family of believers where we can bear one another’s burdens, share one another’s joys, sharpen one another’s faith, and walk beside one another through every season of life. Scripture calls us to edify one another to build each other up in Christ and very often that ministry begins with being present.

So, as the busyness of fall begins to settle in, I hope you will make gathering with your church family a priority. Come worship. Come fellowship. Find a place to serve. Bring your family. Encourage someone. Allow yourself to be encouraged.

I am deeply grateful for what God is doing in our fellowship and excited about the days ahead. The Lord has been faithful through every season, and I believe there are many wonderful opportunities before us to grow together, serve together, and make Christ known together. I look forward to all that God will continue to do in and through our church family.

Yours In Christ,
Dr. Chris DeGeorge
Lead Pastor, Parkview Baptist Church