This Week's Scripture

Week of December 15

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Reflection

From Robbie Moore

I think that this call to bear one another’s burdens is a tremendously challenging way to live. Why? It requires us to step outside ourselves and our immediate and individual problems, and to see and do our best to feel the sufferings of our neighbor. It asks us to be exceedingly humble and empathetic, almost impossibly so at times, yet this is the example we see in Jesus time and time again. I think the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the greatest examples of this type of love, where we see a Samaritan man sacrifice time, resources, and maybe even social status to care for his enemy. Similarly, Jesus always makes time for the person who is suffering and is always willing to walk alongside us in our pain.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us people to walk through life with. Help us to be there for each other, especially when times get hard. Show us how to share the load, offer support, and bring comfort to those who are struggling. Teach us to love like you do—with patience, compassion, and a heart that’s ready to help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation

Has someone ever helped you bear a burden?

In what specific ways can you help bear or share the burden of someone in your life?

This Week's Scripture

Week of December 8

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, iforgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Reflection

From Henry Ambrose

Ephesians 4:32 is an easy verse to skim over, especially for teenagers who—largely—have been raised in the church. Even putting church aside, we are taught from a young age that being kind is simply the right thing to do. I think that the familiarity of this idea is the very reason we put so little priority on it. Paul, writing Ephesians, was addressing a fellow Christian community in Asia that had been fractured over disagreements concerning the Word of God. This advice, just to be kind, has the power to guide all of our decisions, especially in the world today. To us, I think that this verse should be a reminder to approach every interaction as Jesus would. It should challenge us to look at how we treat people, even when angry or frustrated. Am I showing grace and forgiveness, even in disagreement? In politics, relationships, or any time sides are taken, we as Christians should let kindness guide everything that we say, do, or think.

Prayer

God, help me to show kindness to others, regardless of how I’m feeling or how they’re behaving.

Invitation

Can you think of anyone who is consistently kind to others?

Does it sometimes feel as though being kind requires a lot of self-discipline?

What are ways we as the Church can show kindness in the world?

This Week's Scripture

Week of December 1

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7, NIV)

Reflection

From the Friendship Commission of the Vestry: Elizabeth Cox, Jonathan Morphett, Breck Wheeler, and Laura Wright

1 John 1:7 reminds us that our relationships, especially friendships, are profoundly enriched when we pursue a life rooted in God’s light. Walking in the light together means choosing to live with honesty, love, and integrity—qualities that deepen our friendships and our faith. This verse reminds us that when we live this way, we’re connecting with God and with each other in ways that bring lasting value and meaning to our friendships.

To build these kinds of friendships, let’s make time for purposeful connections. Whether through coffee dates, lunches, walks, a round of golf, or small group gatherings, intentional time together allows us to listen deeply, share openly, and encourage one another. When we prioritize time together, we create a place for God’s light to shine in our friendships, making room for real conversations about our dreams, challenges, and even areas we’re struggling. None of us has to pretend to have it all together, because Jesus’s love purifies us and reminds us that we are accepted just as we are. This openness creates a friendship built on grace, where we can uplift one another and grow closer to God.

Our friendships can also be a place of gentle accountability, helping each other grow in faith and character. Let’s make a habit of checking in on each other’s goals—spiritual, personal, and even professional—and encouraging each other to stay true to who God calls us to be. We can set up regular “accountability coffee dates” or times to pray together, not out of judgment but out of a genuine desire to see each other thrive. This kind of intentional encouragement makes our friendships sources of strength and helps each of us grow in areas where we may feel weak or uncertain.

Walking in the light together also means being there for each other during both highs and lows. Our friendships become a refuge, a place to share burdens and celebrate victories. Let’s plan to be present in each other’s lives in tangible ways—showing up for big moments, supporting each other through tough seasons, and celebrating wins together. These gestures remind us of God’s love, helping us feel seen and supported even in the challenges.

Ultimately, our friendships become living examples of what it means to walk in God’s light. By sharing time, accountability, and encouragement, we reflect God’s love and grow closer to Him together. As we continue to meet, pray, and support one another, our friendships become more than bonds—they become journeys of faith that enrich our lives and strengthen our walk with God. Let’s commit to nurturing our friendships intentionally, making them sources of joy, growth, and light in each other’s lives.

Invitation

How can you create intentional time with your friends this week to deepen your connection through Christ? Consider planning a coffee date, lunch, walk, or sporting event where you can openly share, encourage, and pray for each other.

Do you have a servant’s heart? If so, consider inviting someone to volunteer with you in the church or community this week.