Community
I have been apart of the Horizon community since January 2004. Lately, I have been thinking more about community and what it means to be apart of it. So I ask, what do you think community means? Does this differ from those around you?
What I have noticed since I have been here is something unique. Typically, people hang and connect with those with similar interests. Though this has played somewhat of a role, I have noticed diverse groups connecting. I have to attest that I have checked out a couple or a few different churches. I think they all are great in there own way, but the more I become apart of the Horizon community and connect with others, I see this uniqueness compounded.
So why is Horizon different, or why may it be more apparent to me at this church? On Tuesday all the Link Groups (church small groups) from Towson got together to fellowship as one. As I scanned the rooms I saw interactions and conversations from all types of people. To give you an idea, this room was filled with non-Christian, Christian, married, single, analytical, jokester, sports-minded, artistic, and musical. I know that it is typical to see these segments in other communities, but we seem to wear it on our shirts. The coolest thing is that we almost encourage it. I mean come on; the place we met at has been deemed, “The Geek House." Trust me, it is that name for good reason. I believe this is one of reasons diversity works here. We accept you for who you are. This is not only embedded in the leadership, and staff, but others alike.
Despite the fact that the church has had its ups-and-downs, I see the growth within the community growing in amazing ways. Link Groups are a testament to that. One friend mentioned and it stuck that to build muscle you have to break it down so it can heal and grow. As of late in the community, I see this more true than ever. During my first job out of college, I was reminded to not see a problem as deterrent, but to see it as an opportunity.
Whether the connections of Horizon have derived from the hearts of the people, or the divine plan for this community, I see changes and growth in people in ways that not one person could make.
"Lord, Father. You tell us, that when two or more come together in Your name, You are there with them. Father continue to be among us Lord. Continue to help us connect with the lost and help us keep close guard on one another. Let us continue to seek strength from You Lord, and to see adversity as opportunity. You are my God, my Lord, my Father, and with that I thank." Amen
What I have noticed since I have been here is something unique. Typically, people hang and connect with those with similar interests. Though this has played somewhat of a role, I have noticed diverse groups connecting. I have to attest that I have checked out a couple or a few different churches. I think they all are great in there own way, but the more I become apart of the Horizon community and connect with others, I see this uniqueness compounded.
So why is Horizon different, or why may it be more apparent to me at this church? On Tuesday all the Link Groups (church small groups) from Towson got together to fellowship as one. As I scanned the rooms I saw interactions and conversations from all types of people. To give you an idea, this room was filled with non-Christian, Christian, married, single, analytical, jokester, sports-minded, artistic, and musical. I know that it is typical to see these segments in other communities, but we seem to wear it on our shirts. The coolest thing is that we almost encourage it. I mean come on; the place we met at has been deemed, “The Geek House." Trust me, it is that name for good reason. I believe this is one of reasons diversity works here. We accept you for who you are. This is not only embedded in the leadership, and staff, but others alike.
Despite the fact that the church has had its ups-and-downs, I see the growth within the community growing in amazing ways. Link Groups are a testament to that. One friend mentioned and it stuck that to build muscle you have to break it down so it can heal and grow. As of late in the community, I see this more true than ever. During my first job out of college, I was reminded to not see a problem as deterrent, but to see it as an opportunity.
Whether the connections of Horizon have derived from the hearts of the people, or the divine plan for this community, I see changes and growth in people in ways that not one person could make.
"Lord, Father. You tell us, that when two or more come together in Your name, You are there with them. Father continue to be among us Lord. Continue to help us connect with the lost and help us keep close guard on one another. Let us continue to seek strength from You Lord, and to see adversity as opportunity. You are my God, my Lord, my Father, and with that I thank." Amen
posted by Jonathan at 9:12:00 AM
3 Comments:
"We accept you for who you are. This is not only embedded in the leadership, and staff, but others alike."
That is so true. When I first started to come to Horizon I had the mind set that I'll go just so people will stop pestering me about visiting it. Come back say "it isn't for me" and that would be the end. I didn't expect 6 months later to still be going. And I think one of the main reasons that is--is becuase of the acceptance.
At my old church there were cliques everywhere in the old and young then there was me and my friend and I'm sure a few others that felt that way that we didn't know. I wanted to fit in and beable to enjoy myself instead of having to look over my shoulder all the time about what these people are thinking about me etc.
Before I even attended the church I was greeted by a few people, which shows how accepting and open the church truely is. Nothing like my old one and thats what I like becuase Horizon is unique in it's own way.
Okay I'm done babbling :-p
Mary,
Thanks for sharing!
It's always encouraging to hear how Horizon and God has affected others.
justamortal- Thank you, I am just blessed to see God working amazing things with the people and community around me. So... I notice you live in India. Are you a missionary spreading the Word there? Thanks for the line drop.
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