“Survival of the fittest” was a scientific point of view and used to explain the changes that come to species as they adapt to changing conditions and environments. It was also used to explain how human beings survived. An alternate proposal for human survival was that it was cooperation rather than competition which provided the human survival advantage. I have no ability to sort out the scientific issues in these two points of view, but I confess that I am attracted to the notion that it might be cooperation rather than competition. It fits my point of view about what works best in most human situations. I can see value in completion for developing individual strength and skill but I like the results of team work. In athletics it is fascinating to watch the individual achievements of star athletes, but I am even more fascinated by how teams work together to achieve greatness. Slam dunks in basketball are impressive but team defense and well run offensive plays are really significant. They are not as obvious or exciting for the casual viewer, but for the true fan, it is where the game is won or lost. In the church we can enjoy individual gifts and accomplishments, but it is what we do together which is where our true greatness is found. In our slogan: Peacefully, simply, together, “together” is the final word, but it can be the point where the other two are most easily experienced. A gospel song puts it this way, “Together we go to make disciples for Jesus, our Lord in every land. We‘re winning the lost for Christ the Savior in far away lands and near at hand. Together we go to tell our neighbors the message of Christ, mankind’s truest friend…” We are in this journey of faith together.