Community

[Carl Thomas Gladstone]

::The Conversation::                                  October 5, 2006 This Monday and Tuesday I visited some of the college students connected with our church out at their college campuses.  Really it was just an excuse to go eat at great local restaurants like Cascarelli's in Albion, Tios in Ann Arbor, and The Malt Shop in Mt. Pleasant. As I sat and chatted with these folks I was reminded of the power inherent in concentrated communities.  All around people of similar station in life but varying greatly in heritage went from here to there.  Sitting with me were students who because of all their involvement actually had to skip class to have lunch. It made me wonder what the world would be like if more Christians lived together in those kind of productive and inspirational communities.  What would it be like if doctors and artists, students, and community gardners came home at the end of their days to eat, pray, and laugh together?  What would it be like when these little groups started opening their doors to others in need of a meal or a bed? I hope God can stitch us all together in communities like that. Carl Subscribe to the PODCAST! GATHER the EMERGE community Royal Oak Friends in Faith YAFF: Rochester Newburg YA Fellowship Wesley Foundation UofM GROW The Wesley Project 3rd Testament Project Soulstretch GO The NOAH Proj. Cass Community Baldwin Center Sierra Service Project City Year: Detroit Project Transformation PT: Oklahoma PT: Virginia US-2 Program Peace Corps Jesuit Volunteer Corps READ  Philemon  What would it be like to all of a sudden welcome a servant back as if they were your sibling?  How often do we actually let Jesus in when he comes knocking at our doors in the form of homeless and helpless people from the streets?

Upcoming Events Information Thursday, October 5 Emerge Community Worship/Coffeehouse, OFF THIS WEEK!  SEE YOU NEXT THURSDAY! Worship * Concerts * BibleStudies/Trips *

*For those new to this email list - each Thursday I send an e-message to students and young adults connected with BHAM First UMC, and with the developing EMERGE worship community for young adults.  These emails are meant to stay in touch with you, encourage you in your Christian journey, and pose some faith-filled questions that might spark some email correspondence.  If you have any questions about this list, just drop me an email at the address above. Peace.

carl thomas gladstone | deacon, first umc, birmingham, mi | 248.646.1200 | cglad...@fumcbirmingham.org