How about a church blog?

I'll be honest...it's been awhile since I wrote a blog.

The early-2000's were an exciting time for that kind of thing, and back then, I was processing a lot through writing. Speaking of which, were you ever on MySpace.com, the first social media website to really take off?  Before that, the internet was mostly a vehicle for one-way information, but thanks to "MySpace Tom," it opened up a new avenue for two-way dialogue and personal web presence...

Those perfectly poised profile shots, the ability to embed songs into your profile, the notorious "Top 8" friends list, and so much more...MySpace turned the internet into a realm where we shared, archived, and preserved our moments, memories, and milestones. It was like a digital time capsule, brimming with wonder. Sadly, the website eventually disappeared, but perhaps we are all better off for it (I hope you find my exaggerated description amusing!). 

The act of remembering serves a purpose beyond indulging in nostalgic joyrides (although I must admit, I'm all for those). In fact, God instructs his people to practice the art of remembering from their earliest years as his chosen people.

An example of this can be found in Deuteronomy 6, immediately after God delivers the Ten Commandments to Israel through Moses.

^{4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 CSB)}

This passage, often referred to as the "shema," held a significance far beyond being a divine message to the Jewish people (as awe-inspiring as that would have been). It evolved into a daily prayer—an integral part of their mornings and nights. (For a comprehensive breakdown of shema, I recommend checking out the Bible Project's analysis here).

The commitment to remember the word of the Lord was paramount for God's people back then, and dare I say, it should be just as vital for us today.

This is precisely why I believe a blog could be useful for our church. It's good to reflect. It's good to remember. For us at Reach, there are moments when we yearn to reflect with you on where we've been, to share fresh vision, delve into topics that don't often find their way into our Sunday gatherings, offer insights on current events, and even provide valuable discipleship resources. All of these possibilities, and more, become feasible within the realm of a blog.

There are stories worth telling and moments worth archiving, which I hope both bless you and spur you on in your faith. So, follow along as you're able, and enjoy the journey! Our team (myself included) is looking forward to sharing our thoughts and heart with you through this medium.

- Pastor Sean