The Altar

We continue to grow at ViaCordis as God works among us. Our international ties are growing, with one couple visiting their native Hong Kong for the first time in seven years, and another person is in Mexico producing a Christmas album. This week Bob leaves for Japan. Our life transformation groups (LTGs) are continuing to grow as well. Janet and Sylvia just started a new group in El Sereno last week and the group in Rancho Cucumongo continues to grow and multiply.

Yet we also maintain a ritual that centers us in worship as we meet in our house churches. Each month a member is responsible for designing an altar to set up in the living room where we meet for worship. Right now the altar at one of the house gatherings consists of an open Bible on a cloth square with a light shining down on it. The Bible is laid open to Psalm 67 and the light serves as a reminder that God blesses us so we can bless others. The head phones signify and ongoing dialogue with God that involves both listening and talking. And the candle symbolizes Jesus as our one constant.

The altar changes living room or family room into a sacred space for the church gathering, then it gets packed up during the week. For the host, it provides a good visual reminder of sacred space and creates a boundary between your home and your church.

First Fruits

A German brother in Christ recently baptized his "first fruit" in the cold waters of a nearby stream. The person baptized - whom we'll call Peter- is a nationally known singer in Germany and is popular among fans of typical German folk music. Peter committed his life to Christ, confessed his sins and desired baptism - immediately! Please pray for Peter and his family as they seek to follow Christ in discipleship.