As we are coming to the end of a Month of Rest and into a new term for Community Groups, I’d love to take some time to reflect upon the impact of these groups within my own life and within Veritas Church.
When my husband and I first came to Veritas in late 2014, we attended a Community Group downtown and it was a totally new concept for me. I had grown up in a church, and my parents had many close relationships within that church, but for me it was just something we did on Sunday. The idea of ‘living life’ with people from church wasn’t something I had done.
Veritas Community Group NYE Party 2016; Jon and Gabrielle Dunn, Ashley and Pat King, Erin and Ben Cuentas, Emily Ruth and Trey Perry
Little did Trey and I know then that we were forming close, Christ-centered bonds that are still with us today. There have been dozens of other individuals and families that Trey and I have met through CGs that have left their mark upon us. Most importantly, we’ve had people to encourage us and point us to Jesus through the many sweet and hard seasons of life.
Just last month, we took a little time to appreciate the current and upcoming batch of Community Group Leaders we have with the CGL Appreciation Dinner. It was a sweet night of fellowship over a meal, worship, and heart-felt discussion. These dinners always help me to remember that many people in the body of Veritas are living within these smaller pockets of intimate community. That’s the Christian life though, our relationship to Jesus is what connects us to people all over the world through all of the ages - it’s a pretty awe inspiring thing.
Community Group Leader Appreciation Dinner; July 2022
Special Events Team Members helping with set up for the CGL Appreciation Dinner; Colt and Courtney Keefer, Julie and Rob Spencer, Ben Cuentas.
It can be challenging and draining being a Community Group Leader. We get the privilege of entering into people’s complicated and messy lives, and we do what we can (empowered by the Holy Spirit) to humbly point each other to Jesus through God’s word. Even with all of the hard work and challenges, I can honestly say I love being a CGL, and I also love having the opportunity to lead and serve all of our CGLs. I truly believe CGs are such an important part of our discipleship and sanctification.
If you’re not currently a part of a Community Group, I strongly encourage you to jump into one when they get started back up in September. If you’re in a Community Group and may feel called to lead one, join us for the CGL Interest Meeting on Sunday, September 18 after the gathering.
Best and blessings,
Emily Ruth Perry | Director of Community Life
EmilyRuth@veritasfayetteville.com