Notecard
1st Presbyterian Church of Second Life Leader’s Retreat
Colossians 2:1-5
“For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”
Who?
“For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face…” (Colossians 2:1)
What?
“I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3)
Why Here?
“I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ” (Colossians 2:4-5)
Spiritual Friendship…
- Is Christ-Centered
- Is Spiritually Present
- Unites People in Love
- Is Mutually Encouraging
- Promotes Understanding
- Transcends Geography
- Transcends Cultures
- Strengthens Us
- Bears Fruit
Basis of Virtually Mediated Spiritual Friendships
- Church leaders through time have communicated by the best technology available
- Letters instructed and maintained relationships
- Church leaders today use the best technology available
Issues: Emerging/Young Adulthood
- Finding Healthy Communities
- Exploration of Identity
- Seeking a Career/Mentor
Responses: Emerging/Young Adulthood
- Providing Healing Communities in Familiar Environments
- Opportunities for Fearless Exploration
- Intergenerational Friendships
Issues: Middle Adulthood
- The Caring Sandwich (Childcare/Parentcare)
- Transitions
- Making a Difference
Responses: Middle Adulthood
- Convenience in Scheduling and Location
- Stability of Community and Networking
- Opportunities to Make a Difference
Issues: Older Adulthood
- Finding Life-Giving Communities
- Technology Use
- Mobility Issues
Responses: Older Adulthood
- Intergenerational Communities
- Community Tech Support
- In-Home Access to Worship and Community
