Romans 16:1-6

 1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2I
ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her
any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people,
including me. 3Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.
4They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles
are grateful to them. 5Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my
dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

Meditation
1. The list of names in this chapter displays something of the network of warm
and loving relationships which bound the early church together.  Paul was not
just a theologian, he was a friend.  He did not just count up converts; he cared
for people as individuals.
2. Let this remind us that in the eyes of God and in the church of Jesus, each
person is important enough to be known by name.
3. How many people do I know by name at my church?  Bring out the church
directory and read it through.  Upon the ones I don’t recognize, make a check
mark beside it.  Begin to notice and get to know these brothers and sisters in
the church.

Personal Note:
This is a reminder for me as I am planning for 2012.  I look at all the names that come across Crossroad in the past 2 years.  We have over 70 names that came across Crossroad.  The mission of Crossroad is to lead people to become followers of Jesus Christ.  Do we care for people as individuals.

As I look at the directory of the whole church, there are many names that I do not recognize.  I have set a goal this year to meet 10 new people in the church.