Building an Intentional Church: In the Middle of Resurrection

The people of the early church couldn’t be more different from one another. They were young, old, rich, poor, slaves, free, men, women. They came from different cultures, spoke different languages, carried wounds from their pasts, and held different visions of the future.  

But the grace of God allowed a community to be born. And they became one in Christ. This is what Paul is talking about in Galatians: There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 

These words are more than just ideas. They’re a call to action. Paul is inviting us to create a church that doesn’t just tolerate difference but celebrates it. A church where power is shared, grace flows freely, and everyone belongs because we honor each person’s unique self. 

I think about our own community here at Bethany — how each one of us brings something precious, something that can’t be replaced. And yet, sometimes it feels like the world around us keeps trying to tear us apart. Dividing lines. Labels. Expectations that tell us we should be something we’re not. It’s hard. It’s messy. It’s painful. 

But here’s the good news: we’re not alone. This is what resurrection looks like in real time. It’s the courage to cross boundaries, to reach across differences, and to show up for one another — with purpose, with love, with grace. 

This Sunday, we’ll dive deep into the question: What does it mean to be one in Christ when everything around us tells us to be divided? And how do we build a church that doesn’t just welcome, but welcomes intentionally — where justice is the foundation, love is abundant, and belonging is not a distant hope but a present reality? 

I believe with all my heart that this work is worth it. It’s holy, and in Christ, it’s possible.  

So this Sunday, let’s come together and ask ourselves: How can we be the community that God is calling us to be — one that lives resurrection today? A church that listens. A church that collaborates. A church that shows up. 

Bring your full, beautiful, complicated self. I’ll bring the Word with fire in my heart, joy in my soul, and a whole lot of love. 

We are watching God build something incredible, friends. 

Peace, 

Pastor Katie