Not long ago in worship we discussed how baptism brings us into the fellowship of believers and makes us “official” with the church. I tried to delineate the different views and beliefs about baptism that are present throughout the many Christian denominations. And although differences, some major, do exist, I went on to explain that our baptism unites us with other believers and creates a bond of love and responsibility. We have all heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child, and likewise, it takes a church to raise a Christian. In order to grow in love and service in our Christian walk we must be surrounded by others that teach and encourage us to become more like Jesus each day. The Church is not a building but the people of God! The Church must be present to help those hurting; those in need; those who feel abandoned; those who feel alone; and those in need of God’s love that comes through us. Our challenge is to “be” the Church not just attend church. Hebrews 10:24-25 (MSG) says, “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on…”. May others find you to be that beacon of love and kindness set before us through the example of Jesus.