We want to encourage you, as a parent, to be a part of a biblical community outside of the worship service. Throughout scripture, we see God pointing us toward fellowship with other believers. In Hebrews 10:24-25, Paul asks the church to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” Our worship service attendance is the first step in obedience to this command. However, in order to be able to grow in fellowship with other believers, we need to know other Christians and let them know us. When you grow in Christ, you will be better equipped to help your children grow in their faith. We need to be in a community where we can know others' struggles and triumphs. When we know each other in this way, we are able to care for each other’s needs, whether they be spiritual or tangible. Romans 12:15 tells us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” One of the deepest loves you can have for a fellow believer is to be there for them in times of joy and struggle. We often do not get to these things in our quick passing conversation but rather in times of smaller settings with more intentionality to care for each other. We need to be in a community where we can be known by others. James 5:16 tells us to, “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another.” We all struggle with sins and are called to fight against evil. The Bible commands that we do this together as a community. It is important to find like minded Christians that you can live life with and be honest and open about the positive and negative things in your life. At Richland Creek, we have two main ways to build community with other believers. First, we can do this through Life Groups. Life Groups give us that chance to read the Bible and pray together regularly, and anyone can join — there’s no entrance exam, no cost, and no pressure. All groups currently meet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights here at the Creek. Secondly, we accomplish community through Grow Groups. Grow Groups are small, gender-specific groups of three to six believers who gather weekly to encourage and challenge one another in discipleship and engage daily with Christ through His Word and prayer. Either, or both of these options give great opportunities to connect and be in community with other believers. The more you grow together with God’s people, the better you will be equipped to answer questions and guide your child to a relationship with Christ. We echo Paul’s words from Romans 1-11-12, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” As Creek Kids Leader, we deeply care about your discipleship and long to see each one of you growing in a biblical community with your church family. Please let us know if you have questions about joining one of these groups to cultivate community.

Having a vision and passing it along.