Why do we need a fellowship and who establishes it?

In one of our interactive Bible studies, the question I got was about fellowship. It hinted on some of the problems and/or confusions among believers and brethren as to why and what serves the purpose of fellowship. The question read: "When one says that the fellowship is magulo (conflict-ridden), malungkot (sad), what is the first thing one must do? Is it right to just ‘lie low’ until one deems it right to attend again? What does the Bible say?"

Yes, indeed. Why and what is a fellowship? Is it just "our" convenient way of "socializing," so that whenever one feels that it is no longer serve his/her purposes, one can simply withdraw himself/herself and leave? Is it alright to "lie low" whenever the fellowship is magulo? What should one do? On the other hand, misunderstanding can sometimes happen in the church that we wonder: "Do we still need a fellowship?" Others prefer to stay home to avoid being exposed and hurt. Is this the right thing
to do?

Church of God Sharing Village, Inc.

ARTICLES OF FAITH AND RULES OF DISCIPLINE

Article 1—MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of the church hereunder referred to as Church of God Sharing Village, Inc. (COGSV), to promote, preach, publish and share the word of God as written in the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testament), as received, taught and practiced by the apostles and the early New Testament churches of God.

The Church follows the two-fold commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ:

• To preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God for a witness (Matt 6:33, 12: 28, 24:14, 28:19-20 28:Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43, 24:47;Acts 8:12, 20:25, 28:31)
• To heal the sick (Matt 10:1,8; Mark 3:14-15;Luke 9:2,10:9;James 1:27)

The Church also purposes to the assembling of ourselves together in worship of Almighty God, to minister to those whom God has called, for mutual edification of the Body of Christ, and to practice the pure and undefiled religion. (John 21:16-17;Acts 20:28;1;Eph 4:11-12; Peter 5:2)

BY-LAWS
OF

Church of God Sharing Village, Inc.
(Name of Corporation)

Article I
MEETING

Section 1.  Annual Meetings –The annual meetings of the members shall be held at the principal office of the association on 1st Wednesday of June of each year.

Section 2. Monthly/Special Meetings – Monthly/Special meetings of the members shall be called every end of the month by the President of the church/association. During such meetings, the President shall render his monthly report to the members regarding the activities of the church/association.

 Special meetings may be called as the need thereof arises, by the Board of Trustees or the President or upon petition of 1/3 of the general membership.

Section 3. Notices – Notices of the date, time and place of annual, monthly and special meetings of the members shall be given either personally or by special delivery mail, at least one week before the date set for such meeting.  In urgent cases, the notice may be communicated at least two days before the meeting personally or by telephone, or by telegram, if contact is not possible.  The notice of every special meeting shall state briefly the purposes of the meeting.  No other business shall be considered at such meeting, except with the consent of all the members present thereat.

After ten years of being together....

It was quite a sight to see, considering that we just worked on it ourselves, praying and asking for strength to continue despite some discouraging encounters...