Blessings of Community
"Blessings of Community" highlights the importance of gathering, supporting one another, and working collectively toward common goals.
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“As revealed in Christ, God, the Creator of all, ultimately is concerned about behaviors and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people and that protect the most vulnerable. Such relationships are to be rooted in the principles of Christ-like love, mutual respect, responsibility, justice, covenant, and faithfulness, against which there is no law.” D&C 164:6a
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Blessings of Community: Community of Christ Enduring Principle
The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community in creating a space of love and care that is essential for the well-being of all individuals.
We value our connections and share a strong sense of trust in and belonging with one another; even if we have never met. There are so many ways to connect with our community. We not only come together for worship, but we look for ways to build relationships along our discipleship journey.
We value our connections and share a strong sense of trust in and belonging with one another; even if we have never met. There are so many ways to connect with our community. We not only come together for worship, but we look for ways to build relationships along our discipleship journey.
As Christians, we are called to live in community with one another and with Jesus Christ. This means not only attending church services and events, but also actively supporting our community.
In a world where individualism is often celebrated, the idea of a community can seem outdated or even unnecessary. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community and its role in the spiritual development of individuals. By sharing our lives with others, we create a space where we can be vulnerable and open to God's grace.
Sacred community not only provides a place for personal growth but also serves as a support system for those in need. It is a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or current circumstances. This is especially important for those who may not have the resources or ability to fully care for themselves.
Being part of a community also means we have the opportunity to give back and serve others. We can use our unique gifts and talents to help those around us, creating a cycle of love and care that benefits everyone involved.
Building Community by Supporting Local Businesses
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In today's fast-paced world, where global corporations often dominate the marketplace, the importance of supporting local small businesses cannot be overstated.
Not only does this align with the Community of Christ’s Enduring Principle of the Blessings of Community, but it also plays a crucial role in promoting economic stability. By choosing to patronize local businesses, we contribute to the economic health of our communities, sustain jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship. This blog post will explore these benefits and offer insights into how we can make a tangible difference. |
Blessings of Community: A Guiding Principle
Community of Christ emphasizes the importance of nurturing communities where individuals can thrive. This principle underscores the belief that when we support our local economy, we are actively participating in the development of a resilient and prosperous community. Local businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, offering unique products, personalized services, and vibrant character.
Community of Christ emphasizes the importance of nurturing communities where individuals can thrive. This principle underscores the belief that when we support our local economy, we are actively participating in the development of a resilient and prosperous community. Local businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, offering unique products, personalized services, and vibrant character.
How Supporting Local Businesses Aligns with Community Values
Fostering Economic Stability: Local businesses reinvest in the community by creating jobs and generating tax revenue. This helps build infrastructure, fund schools, and maintain public services.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship: By supporting small enterprises, we empower individuals to pursue their dreams, innovate, and bring novel ideas to the market.
Cultivating a Sense of Belonging: Small businesses often serve as community hubs, fostering social connections and promoting a sense of belonging among residents.
Fostering Economic Stability: Local businesses reinvest in the community by creating jobs and generating tax revenue. This helps build infrastructure, fund schools, and maintain public services.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship: By supporting small enterprises, we empower individuals to pursue their dreams, innovate, and bring novel ideas to the market.
Cultivating a Sense of Belonging: Small businesses often serve as community hubs, fostering social connections and promoting a sense of belonging among residents.
The Economic Impact of Supporting Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is more than just a feel-good action; it has significant economic implications. Let's delve into the specific ways this support helps our communities thrive:
Sustaining Local Jobs
Local businesses are key employers in communities. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44% of U.S. economic activity and employ nearly half of the private workforce. By supporting these enterprises, we help sustain local jobs, which in turn bolsters the local economy.
Promoting Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of innovation and economic growth. Local businesses often start as small, family-run operations with aspirations to grow. Supporting these businesses provides them with the resources and encouragement needed to expand and innovate.
Boosting Economic Health
The health of a community's economy can often be measured by the success and vitality of its local businesses. When we choose to spend money locally, more of that money stays within the community, creating a positive ripple effect.
The Multiplier Effect: Studies show that $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community, compared to $43 when spent at a national chain.
Tax Revenue: Local businesses contribute to local taxes, which fund essential community services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Supporting local businesses is more than just a feel-good action; it has significant economic implications. Let's delve into the specific ways this support helps our communities thrive:
Sustaining Local Jobs
Local businesses are key employers in communities. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44% of U.S. economic activity and employ nearly half of the private workforce. By supporting these enterprises, we help sustain local jobs, which in turn bolsters the local economy.
Promoting Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of innovation and economic growth. Local businesses often start as small, family-run operations with aspirations to grow. Supporting these businesses provides them with the resources and encouragement needed to expand and innovate.
Boosting Economic Health
The health of a community's economy can often be measured by the success and vitality of its local businesses. When we choose to spend money locally, more of that money stays within the community, creating a positive ripple effect.
The Multiplier Effect: Studies show that $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community, compared to $43 when spent at a national chain.
Tax Revenue: Local businesses contribute to local taxes, which fund essential community services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
How to Support Local Small Businesses
Supporting local businesses doesn’t require a grand gesture; small, consistent actions can make a significant impact. Here are some practical ways you can contribute:
Shop Locally
Frequent Local Stores: Make a conscious effort to shop at neighborhood stores for everyday needs.
Choose Local Over Online Giants: Whenever possible, opt for local businesses rather than online giants for your purchases.
Dine Locally
Support Local Restaurants: Experience the unique flavors of your community by dining at locally-owned restaurants and cafes.
Participate in Local Food Events: Attend farmers' markets and food festivals that showcase local produce and cuisine.
Utilize Local Services
Hire Local Professionals: Whether you need a plumber, electrician, or accountant, consider hiring local professionals to support their businesses.
Advocate for Local Businesses
Spread the Word: Share positive experiences with local businesses on social media and review platforms.
Participate in Community Initiatives: Join local business associations and chambers of commerce to advocate for local business growth.
Supporting local businesses doesn’t require a grand gesture; small, consistent actions can make a significant impact. Here are some practical ways you can contribute:
Shop Locally
Frequent Local Stores: Make a conscious effort to shop at neighborhood stores for everyday needs.
Choose Local Over Online Giants: Whenever possible, opt for local businesses rather than online giants for your purchases.
Dine Locally
Support Local Restaurants: Experience the unique flavors of your community by dining at locally-owned restaurants and cafes.
Participate in Local Food Events: Attend farmers' markets and food festivals that showcase local produce and cuisine.
Utilize Local Services
Hire Local Professionals: Whether you need a plumber, electrician, or accountant, consider hiring local professionals to support their businesses.
Advocate for Local Businesses
Spread the Word: Share positive experiences with local businesses on social media and review platforms.
Participate in Community Initiatives: Join local business associations and chambers of commerce to advocate for local business growth.
Building Resilient Communities
When we support local businesses, we are investing in the resilience of our communities. A robust local economy can better withstand economic challenges and adapt to changes, ensuring long-term prosperity for residents.
When we support local businesses, we are investing in the resilience of our communities. A robust local economy can better withstand economic challenges and adapt to changes, ensuring long-term prosperity for residents.
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Apostle-designate Joey Williams shares an engaging story of global and local community-building using the mutual sustainability of interplanting corns, beans, and squash—the “three sisters” of Native American agriculture—as a metaphor for cultivating community. From the March 2025 “Witness the Word” release.
Scripture: Galatians 6:2 |
Project Zion Podcast A29:
Awaken to God’s Presence - Blessings of Community
Awaken to God’s Presence - Blessings of Community
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With few exceptions, we all engage in several different communities as we travel through our daily lives. Community, after all, is simply a group of people with whom we share something in common (family, work environment, neighborhoods, church, etc.). Only we can say which of those communities are a blessing to us, and to which of those communities we seek to be a blessing. In today’s episode of “Awaken to God’s Presence,” host Wendy Brian takes us through a guided meditation on Community of Christ’s Mission Initiative, Blessings of Community. Through this time of silence and meditation, you’ll be encouraged to think about those communities in which you participate and how Blessings of Community is being fulfilled in your life.
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Emporia Community of Christ
Emporia Ministry, a Journey of Faith and Resilience
Emporia Community of Christ began its journey meeting in group members' homes. These gatherings were filled with fellowship, worship, and a shared mission to serve the community. However, like many other communities around the world, our in-person activities came to a halt due to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Embracing Digital Transformation
We have demonstrated resilience and adaptability by transitioning some of our activities to digital platforms. Through social media and our website, we continue to connect with our members and share the teachings and values that bind us together. While we currently do not have a physical church facility in the Emporia, KS area, our digital presence has enabled us to maintain our sense of community and purpose.
A Vision for the Future
Our commitment to delivering meaningful ministry to the Emporia community remains steadfast. We are excited about the prospect of returning to in-person activities in the future, where we can once again gather, worship, and serve together. To bring this vision to life, we are actively seeking disciples in the Emporia, KS area, who share our passion for growth and development of this ministry.
Join Us on This Journey
If you are in the Emporia area and feel called to be part of a nurturing and dynamic faith community, we invite you to join us. Together, we can create a welcoming space that fosters spiritual growth and community engagement, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Emporia Community of Christ is more than a church; it is a family united by faith, hope, and love. We look forward to the day when we can once again gather in person, but until then, we continue our journey with optimism and faith. See what Emporia CofChrist has to offer.
Emporia Community of Christ began its journey meeting in group members' homes. These gatherings were filled with fellowship, worship, and a shared mission to serve the community. However, like many other communities around the world, our in-person activities came to a halt due to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Embracing Digital Transformation
We have demonstrated resilience and adaptability by transitioning some of our activities to digital platforms. Through social media and our website, we continue to connect with our members and share the teachings and values that bind us together. While we currently do not have a physical church facility in the Emporia, KS area, our digital presence has enabled us to maintain our sense of community and purpose.
A Vision for the Future
Our commitment to delivering meaningful ministry to the Emporia community remains steadfast. We are excited about the prospect of returning to in-person activities in the future, where we can once again gather, worship, and serve together. To bring this vision to life, we are actively seeking disciples in the Emporia, KS area, who share our passion for growth and development of this ministry.
Join Us on This Journey
If you are in the Emporia area and feel called to be part of a nurturing and dynamic faith community, we invite you to join us. Together, we can create a welcoming space that fosters spiritual growth and community engagement, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Emporia Community of Christ is more than a church; it is a family united by faith, hope, and love. We look forward to the day when we can once again gather in person, but until then, we continue our journey with optimism and faith. See what Emporia CofChrist has to offer.
