Friday, July 3th, 6-8pm, Calvary Tucson East Campus is going to be the place for food, fellowship, worship, and the Word. Quick note: Bring something you like to eat just in case no one else brings something you like to eat. Simple question, have you ever been in a situation where you see people repeatedly, maybe at a job or in a class, but you never really truly get to know them? It’s easy to show up to a gathering, spectate, and then leave. Church can be the same way. Especially if we’re feeling more reflective than social. The beautiful thing about biblical fellowship is that it moves us beyond simply attending and into genuinely caring for one another. God often strengthens, encourages, and comforts His people through the presence and words of fellow believers. Those meaningful connections rarely happen by accident—they grow as we intentionally spend time together. The word “fellowship”  may not be used very often in everyday conversation, but it has special meaning in a church setting, “two fellows in the same ship.” It’s about spending quality time together with the intention of building and deepening relationships. Sharing meals with one another ensures that we can sit down, slow down, and talk, or even just be together, regardless of the depth of conversation. The importance of gathering for a meal comes from the example of Jesus and the early followers of Christianity. Much of the gospels are filled with stories of Jesus sharing meals with people. Most of the Lord’s most precious words were spoken in a fellowship meal. In the Gospel of Luke, it is written that Jesus shared a meal with others 10 times. I quite often think about what it would’ve been like to be a member of the first century church. I am encouraged when I read what is written in *Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.* I value fellowship as an integral part of my faith community. And what better way to help make that happen than bonding over physical food as well as spiritual. When brethren “break bread together” with a fellowship meal, lives change, I know that mine has. If you’ve been meaning to get more connected or simply need some encouragement, we’d love to have you join us. Come hungry, come as you are, and let’s enjoy an evening of food, worship, God’s Word, and sweet fellowship together. Looking forward to seeing all who can attend. 

In Christ,

Pastor Douglas