Season of Fellowship

We often overlook the blessing of coming together, the necessity of laughter, and the reward of sharing truth face-to-face.

Last Friday night, the women of CANDACE met for their first meeting of 2011. It was a diverse group of women of different ages, marital statuses, and backgrounds. There were FACC members, neighbors, and a even guest from the Dominican Republic (with a sharp pair of boots!)

The one thing that resonates through a CANDACE meeting is the laughter! Those 2+ hours reminded us that laughter is an essential part of the life of a Christian. The laughs were silly, and may have even brought tears, but most of all they were cleansing, refreshing.

When we deal with life's tests on a regular basis, laughter is what helps to consider our trials a bit more "easy to be intreated", or reasonable. (This was a phrase that was shared with the group that night. See James 3:15).

Another theme that resonated through the night was that of pleasing God. Not the typical quest of how to please our Father, but the transforming, shackle-breaking idea that we already please Him as His children. (Read Matthew 3:17, 17:5, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22) He is not waiting to condemn us for our shortcomings, but to remind us of our dependence on Him to grow in our faith.

Some might question the idea of a monthly meeting where women sit around and "just talk", but there is so much value in sharing ideas and learning from others. This time has been called a Season of Fellowship. CANDACE seeks to use this season as as opportunity to sow seeds through fellowship that will develop into mature fruit that feeds and nourishes the women of CANDACE, and beyond.

Please join us next month on the 2nd Friday of February to listen, learn, and LAUGH some more.