July 28, 2019 - Summer Series Building Blocks, Belong in Community

1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-9 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:5-24 Personal Requests 5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. 10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of July 28, 2019 the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers. 12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love. 15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. Final Greetings 19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord[b]! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITY Turn off your TV Leave your house Know your neighbors Look up when you are walking Greet people Sit on your stoop Plant Flowers Use your library Play together Buy from local merchants Share what you have Help a lost dog Take children to the park Garden Together Support Neighborhood Schools Fix it even if you didn’t break it Have Pot Lucks Honor Elders Pick Up Litter Read Stories Aloud Dance in the Street Talk to the Mail Carrier Listen to the Birds Put up a Swing Help Carry Something Heavy Barter For Your Goods Start A Tradition Ask A Question Hire Young People for Odd Jobs Organize a Block Party Bake Extra and Share Ask For Help When You Need It Open Your Shades Sing Together Share Your Skills Take Back the Night Turn Up The Music Turn Down The Music Listen Before You react To Anger Mediate A Conflict Seek To Understand Learn From New And Uncomfortable Angles Know That No One is Silent Though Many Are Not Heard Work To Change This Credit: the Syracuse Cultural Workers community