|
|
Nov
6
Written by:
host
11/6/2009 7:00 AM
 I'll admit that I sometimes struggle to keep my writing—whether for The Daily Voice or for publication—to a manageable length. But occasionally I find I’m struck with that malady almost all who put pen to paper (or finger to key) know and fear—writer’s block. This is one of those times. So here I offer you some “writer’s blocks”— 3 short, loosely connected thoughts and stories that just didn't want to turn into a full post by themselves.
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
I was asked once by a young child on graduation Sunday, the day we recognize high school and college graduates, “When will I graduate from Sunday school?” My answer? “Not quite yet...” There’s always more to learn, and we’re constantly in the process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
A few years ago, Interpreter magazine ran an amazing article about Sam Ballinger of Hermitage UMC in Tennessee. Sam had not missed a single Sunday school class in 63 years! At that point, it was 3,299 Sundays…and counting! (I wish I knew if that streak was still going.) Among his reasons for this incredible longevity: there are “no good excuses to miss.” So, if people in your congregation ever start to wonder if it’s time they graduated from Sunday school, just tell them, “Not quite yet.”
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
My congregation will celebrate "Consecration Sunday" this Sunday, the day when friends and members of the church are encouraged to turn in their "Journeys" forms and sign up for ministry in the congregation during the next year. These forms represent one of the ways we keep the membership vows we made to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, and service. They’re a way to respond to the tug of God on our hearts to reach out in a way only each of us can. And, of course, getting involved regularly is the best way to get to know others and have fun! Our process of collecting ministry information has morphed a bit over the years, as I'm sure it probably has in yours. When I was on the staff of the church, we called the form the "Seed Catalog," a title appropriate for an agricultural state where people understand well how something tiny can grow and give life. The program staff (the pastors and education staff) didn't fill one of the commitment forms out, though. That’s because, while we may indeed have intended to do many of the things in that multi-page document, the main job of a staff person is to equip others to do ministry.
If you're a staff member in your congregation, encourage people to go ahead and sign up for that ministry they’re not entirely sure they can do. Then ask, “How may we equip you today?”
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
Mother Teresa had a habit that some found annoying, or at least uncomfortable. She would often lead her visiting dignitaries, guests, and pilgrims out of the church during Holy Communion and into the alleys. There she’d place a dying beggar into their arms and whisper, “The body of Christ, given for you.”
Christ is absolutely, undeniably out there in the world. Are you?
~ by Tim Gossett
Tags:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get The Daily Voice in your inbox
Subscribe to The Daily Voice, our free weekday email.
|