In just over a week, Union's four-week fall small groups will begin. Are you considering jumping in? There is still time to join a group either online or in-person.

Why do I bring this up again? Because community is really life-giving. When we are spending time in intentional ways with others, it makes a difference. For you and for others. It provides belonging.

Did you know that of the 263 centenarians (longest living people today), all but five who were interviewed in a National Geographic study belonged to some faith-based community? Community gives longevity.

Our Triune God is always communing together and does so in perfect harmony as our model of community. The choreography of the Trinity is a dance of harmony in community.

Of course, we probably find it's hard to create any harmonious choreography like that ever - but especially in the busy-ness of raising kids or just living our 21st century life. So, any place you find community, whether if be at soccer, a mom's group, the office, or your neighborhood, it is important. We can welcome God into our various community places.

It's been exciting to see community develop around the weekly Play and Learn time on Wednesday morning with parents, nannies, aunts, babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Thanks to Kathy Foster's vision, Play and Learn is an opportunity for community, especially those who find themselves in a new city or isolated. Cafe Club, led by Chandra Jamerson, also fills a place where community was needed, creating after-school activities and place to belong for elementary kids in SLU.

Where do you find community or a place to belong? What helps you connect and be supported? Do you know of a place where community could grow?

I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.