July 22, 2026
f one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
I Corinthians 12:26
This past Sunday, we continued a post-church time we’ve been hosting all summer for activities and treats. Folks always linger on the lawn in nicer weather, but it’s a blessing we’ve been intentional to cultivate this summer with popsicles one week, ice cream, and then bubbles another, sparklers recently, and flowers and games yet to come. Most weeks, our children’s director has lollipops for kids who can tell her what they’ve learned in church. As I was talking with a member, three preschool girls raced together from different corners of the courtyard with their popsicles held high. They raised them like they were having a joyful toast and cheered one another in laughter.
I see great benefit to people who gather weekly for shared community. A psychology magazine I read years ago touted the results of a happiness survey which revealed that people who have a monthly gathering of friends experience as much joy as doubling their salary. Scripture contains many admonitions to cultivate this spiritual practice, but as believers, it’s easy to think this is primarily for sharing our burdens and challenges. We often forget it’s for joy as well. The opportunity to share our faith milestones of baptism, confirmation, and marriage, but also our children’s graduations, work promotions, and the healing and wholeness we experience are essential.
Last week, I reconnected with someone from my home church growing up at the youth conference we attended. She knew me and my family, but not as well as I knew her. She was a few years ahead of me in youth group and choir, so I watched her go on mission trips and dawn a graduation robe of the college I eventually attended as well on her baccalaureate Sunday. Sharing in her joys inspired me in my own journey, one she didn’t know about until decades later. Now our kids get to share small groups at conferences, run on the playgrounds and rock hop in the creeks. I’m confident God watched our reunion like I watched the girls with lollipops, faces filled with recognition, laughter shared, and holy appreciation for the way joy is multiplied in sharing.
Prayer
Lord, send me to the family of faith every week to cast my struggles on the arms of those who carry me and to raise my joys with those who dance with me in holy delight. Amen.
Rev. Brian Daoust
Associate Pastor for Mission & Youth
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