Scripture Focus: Mark 2:1-12 Imagine the scene...a huge crowd gathered around Jesus, making it impossible to get anywhere near him...the room and surrounding area completely full of people wanting either his healing touch, to hear him preach, or simply to be in his presence. You can almost feel the crush of the crowd. And then some men, determined to help their friend, get creative about how they are going to get him close to Jesus. Not only do they fight the crowd, carrying a cumbersome load, but they, when met with difficulty, refuse to give up. All for the sake of their friend who so desperately needs their help. Are there people in your life who would do that for you? Maybe they already have. Are you a friend like that? What about to those you don't know? Are you one who goes the extra mile for people in need? Do you see the incredible need to connect with others in faith, both to share and receive. Sometimes it's easier to turn the other way and pretend we don't need others; but we were created by God to be in community. In community we are nurtured for growth and given support to become the person God wants us to be. We are not created to do it alone. We are also called to be in community so that we can give to those who need our witness and help. The life of faith is meant to be done in community. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)