Thanks for joining us this Sunday as we worship and listen to the Word brought by Pastor Mark.

Sacred Community is people deeply connected to God and deeply connected to each other

with respect, reverence, and responsibility.

What the enemy is fighting for is exactly what we must fight against: isolation, disconnection, and loneliness.

We show up when there’s a crisis.

But most of us don’t know our neighbors’ names.

We barely recognize their faces.

We are an isolated society.

And too often, our churches reflect very little

of what the early church actually lived and experienced.

“In this sacred connection we encourage, strengthen, bear burdens, heal, refine, and love.

Any human need can be met through another human hand whose heart is held by God.”

— Dr. Shelly Hogan

We were created for connection.

From the womb to the tomb, relationship affects our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Yet when people struggle, they isolate.

They do the opposite of God’s design.

Isolation feeds mental illness.

And many of our battles are spiritual in nature.

Biblical figures like Elijah and David faced burnout, anxiety, and despair.

Struggle does not disqualify faith.

But isolation does weaken us.

If you are struggling:

Identify what piece of spiritual armor may be missing.

Don’t let anxious thoughts dictate your actions.

Stop claiming struggle as your identity.

It is something you face, not who you are.

Instead of running from people, run to them.

Do the opposite of what your flesh tells you to do.

If we are created for connection,

disconnection is not an option.

Because if everyone isolates,

who will we run to?

If everyone is anxious,

where will peace be found?

We are not meant to live as individuals.

God ordained us as a people

to carry the Great Commission together.

There are two communities being built:

one for earthly kingdoms

and one for the Kingdom of God.

Love is the driving force.

Without it, nothing we do matters.

We are better together.

We accomplish more together.

And isolation may be the very thing keeping the world

from hearing the Good News.