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Discerning our Ministries |
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Fellow Disciples,
In a few weeks we will be starting the process of considering our ministry for the coming year and the costs involved in that ministry. As we go through this process a key question to ask ourselves will be, "What is most important?" (from God's perspective, not from our own)
There are many in the congregation who are experiencing difficult times in one way or another - financially, emotionally, spiritually. As disciples we have a responsibility to help people in the congregation to recognize God's presence and take to them a sense of God's hope. This is the claim that God laid upon us as we responded to God's call and entered the waters of baptism. This sense of Presence and Hope will happen when we operate from a perspective of God's abundance. This is counter to the popular wisdom of the world that focuses on scarcity.
The 19th century preacher George Muir never budgeted or planned ahead; but he did pray a lot, then stepped out and trusted God. Every time, without fail, the resources he needed for ministry were there. Although I would not advocate going without a budget or not planning, I would advocate that we pray a lot, step out in faith, and trust God. Shifting our perspective to one of trusting in God's abundance will not be easy. It will require prayer, trust in God, prayer together, Scripture study, prayer together, trust in God, and more prayer.
Did I mention we will need to pray more? We may think we are in a financial crisis when in reality we are facing a spiritual crisis. We must make prayer a major part of what we do...at pastorate meetings, BLT meeting, priesthood meetings, and any other opportunities when we get together. If this summer is anything, it needs to be a summer of prayer.
On July 7 there is a family praise and prayer event in the works. We will be planning another one in August.
I would ask that each one of us spend a few moments in prayer for the ministry of the congregation every Wednesday at 12 noon.
If you do not have an established personal prayer time please consider establishing one.
If you do not have an established time for a devotional reading of Scripture please consider establishing one. Look for acts of God everyday wherever you are.
During the last two weeks I have been places in Chicago where gang shootouts have occurred, where it wasn't safe for a white person to be out at night (and I wasn't sure if it was safe during the day). I was always assured of God's presence through the power of the Holy Spirit and those of the Church who are on the streets ministering. My testimony to you is that God is a God of abundance and faithfulness. Let us move forward and respond to the call, trusting in the assurance of God's care and love every step of the way!
God is faithful!
God's Blessings as we walk together as Disciples
Tom
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