"They said to each other,
"Were not our hearts burning within us
While he was talking to us on the road,
While he was opening the Scriptures to us?"
Like the two who walked the road to Emmaus, we may come to appreciate the presence of Christ among us as we walk the path of faith together as companions along the way. Spiritual companionship or friendship takes many forms and occurs in various settings. It is encouraged throughout the life of Advent Lutheran Church. At its core and in all its variety, spiritual friendship is time spent in the company of others listening for, exploring and awakening to the ever presence of God. Within the context of mutual spiritual companionship, a deep bond forms as those gathered share experiences of God's love and grace.
The love of Christ or an invitation of the Spirit stirring within them may touch spiritual companions, as they listen together to the everyday moments of life. Being attentive to God with others lifts awareness and appreciation for the many ways that God actively engages us. By sharing these glimpses of the sacred, companions support each other to discern and respond to the movement of the Spirit, who is ever calling us home to God. Through spiritual companionship, we embolden each other to live out our faith in the Spirit, releasing the gifts we are given for the sake of the world.
Time and space for opening up our lives to one another and for sharing this experience of God's love and grace is abundantly woven into the fabric of life at Advent Lutheran. This time and space is offered in worship, social action, pastoring and outreach; in choir, drama and art; in spirituality, stewardship, prayer practices and support groups; in faith development, Bible Study, education and formation, in Family Hour, youth leadership and other children, youth and family ministries; in food, fellowship and other hospitality and more. Through an environment of spiritual companionship, we further our mission to make disciples by way of changed lives, changing lives through Christ's love.
Although all of our ministries foster spiritual companionship, some are specifically directed to this purpose. They include Disciple Bible Study, Spiritual Direction and Companions in Christ.
For more information about Companions in Christ, log on to www.upperroom.org/companions. In addition, for information on spiritual companionship opportunities at Advent Lutheran Church, contact the Spiritual Life Minister at spirit@advent-lutheran.org or call the church office at