From the Pastor

September 2004

Have you watched any of the Olympics? Have you seen the grace of the swimmers, the flexibility of the gymnasts, the power of the rowers? Have you seen the concentration and intensity on their faces as they compete, and the joy that shines through--even if they do win a gold medal? Have you seen this...and have you felt respect and awe for their talents and dedication?

Athletes have natural talents and abilities, to be sure. But in order to be all that they can be, they must learn the fundamentals of their sport, receive training and ongoing instruction, and listen to their coaches and advisors, as they support, encourage, and challenge them. Swimmers must learn the fundamentals of their strokes; gymnasts must become familiar with the basics of the mat, the beam, the rings, and the bars; and rowers must learn how best to handle their oars. Athletes must continually practice and learn--all through their careers. Being an athlete is an ongoing process; it is a process that combines natural gifts and abilities with training and support. And those thing in combination lead to stronger athletes, athletes who are dedicated to what they do, and take joy in doing it.

Have you see the active faith of the children of God? Have you seen and heard the enthusiasm of the teachers, the thoughtfulness and planning of the committees and councils, the melodies of the musicians, the care and conscientiousness of the ushers, the communion assistants, and the acolytes? Have you seen the joy on their faces that comes from praising and serving God, in ways both large and small? Have you seen and heard...and have you felt awe for their talents and gifts and dedication?

Christians have natural gifts and abilities, to be sure. But in order to be all they can be, in order to be as active in their faith as possible, they must learn the fundamentals of the faith, they must receive ongoing training and instruction, and listen to others as they support, encourage, and challenge them. All Christians need Bible study, in order to learn the basics of the story of God and God's people. Those fundamentals shape every kind of ministry. Ushers, communion assistants, and all those who serve in worship must be willing to learn how to best carry out those duties. Musicians practice and rehearse, so that they might best use their talents to praise God. And all of the people of God need the support of each other--in worship, in study, in moments of fellowship--in combination with their God-given gifts and abilities, so that the work of the kingdom might be done. Being a Christian is an ongoing process; it is a process that combines the gift of faith with our talents and abilities and ongoing training and support in the basics. And those things in combination lead to stronger disciples, disciples who are dedicated to what they do, and take joy in doing it.

How is your Fall "training schedule" looking? Our congregation tries to help with this process, in many ways. Join us for worship. Come to Adult Class. Join a Bible Study. Teach a child. Visit someone. Ask Pastor how to get started reading the Bible. Set aside time each day for conversation with God. Use your talents and gifts for the glory of God...and your joy will show on your face for all to see!

In Christ,
Pastor Brenda