How we are cultivating unity

We have grown quickly haven’t we? On any given Sunday, half the faces may be new if you’re an older attendee. And all the faces may be new if you’re a newer attendee. That raises the need for us to think about unity. For the Church of Christ is one. Christ prayed in John 17 that His people would be one, so that the world may believe. Our unity is not decoration. Our unity is declaration. It is part of our gospel witness.

So we are being intentional. We are working towards unity. And I want you to work with us. How? Fellowship together. Mission together. Serve together. These are three ordinary ways you can be involved.

First, fellowship together. On Saturday, 6 September, we will host a Fellowship Day. Between 100 and 150 folk raised their hands last Sunday at the idea. We’ll have a potjiekos competition starting in the morning. We’ll stream the Rugby (the Springboks against the All Blacks) at 9:05am. We’ll have place to sit and enjoy tea and cookies all morning. There will be a jumping castle and jungle gym for the kids. And we’ll enjoy lunch together at 12:00. Four potjie pots have already committed. Can you add yours? Sign up here: https://benonibaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1036338. One event where young and old can come together around food, fun, and fellowship.

Second, mission together. We are moderating Dunnottar Baptist Church. This is a mission that has ignited the imagination of our whole church. A few Sundays ago the young adults visited a service. A Sunday later another delegation of guests went through to worship with them. Liezl and I will attend their service this Sunday. Why not join us? Their morning service begins at 9:00am. The address is Dunnottar Baptist Church, 5 Turvey Rd, Dunnottar, Nigel. Or perhaps you plan to join Andre Broodryk on 21 September. Or Gerhard Wessels on 19 October. United side by side. Shoulder to shoulder. In gospel mission.

Third, serve together. This Christmas Eve we will gather to remember Christ. Our children will form a nativity. We’ll sing carols. We’ll hear the Christmas story. And we’ll raise our voices as a standing choir. Rehearsals begin in September. The choir will serve in services from November. Older members, younger members, singing together to God’s glory. Sign up here: https://benonibaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1035118.

Unity is to be cultivated. And gospel unity is Christ’s desire for His people. Let us walk together. Let us worship together. Let us work together. One body. One family. One mission.