At 275 feet tall, the General Sherman tree is the largest tree in the world. This tree is roughly 2,200 years old, over 36 feet in diameter, and is estimated to weigh nearly 2 million pounds. You would think with such an impressive height, its roots would go very deep. However, that is not the case. The root systems of this tree and other Giant Sequoia trees like it only average 6-12 feet deep. The roots do not go deep, but they do spread very wide. More importantly, they intermingle with a root system made up of many trees. Essentially, the trees anchor one another to the ground.
Like the massive trees in Sequoia National Park, our longevity and strength depend greatly on the systems we are a part of. If you were to disconnect the root system of these tall trees from each other, they would fall. We, too, are at a greater risk when we are disconnected from one another. We are at a greater risk of making bad decisions. We are at a greater risk of developing mental and emotional health problems. We are at a greater risk of falling. We were created to be in community with one another. It is in this community that we gain a fuller understanding of who God is. We get to witness the different ways in which God works in people’s lives. This fuller understanding of God in turn gives us a fuller understanding of ourselves. It is this understanding that helps us recognize the importance of fellowship with one another. As we seek to deepen our faith, we should not shy away from the opportunity to do it together.
Beginning the week of February 21st, we will be doing a church-wide study on John: The Gospel of Light and Life, by Adam Hamilton. This is a six-week study that will take us through the season of Lent. There are a variety of time slots available, so you can find a group that is convenient for your schedule. These groups will be hosted via the Zoom platform. Though we are slowly starting to gather for in-person worship, this particular season of what I like to call Growth Groups will remain online. You can learn more about this opportunity here.
We really are better when we do this thing called life together. Will you join us as we grow our faith and stand tall in Christ?
From One Light to Another,
Pastor Hannah Loughman
Photo by NAParish