July Pastor Ponderings
27 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Welcome
Pastor’s Ponderings…
At the Session retreat we discovered something that surprised us all – or at least most of us. We found that, like most Christian churches, we do not communicate very well at all. I was one of the most surprised; I thought we were doing quite well in the communications department. I just thought that committee chairs needed some improvement.
I was wrong.
It was startling to see just how much is happening in our congregation without the general population (including Session) having much of any idea. For instance:
The craft group has made a number of layettes for stillborn babies. These layettes allow the parents to have a funeral with their child dresses in a homemade wrap and cap.
Angel Food has given away several food boxes to families in need.
We have a group of drivers who make sure our folk can get to medical appointments and take people where they need to go in an emergency.
We have a group that collects used eyeglasses for our village in Uganda.
We have someone who gathers used women’s clothing – especially larger sizes for people who need proper clothing for interviews and jobs.
We still support the Elmwood food bank; one of our men delivers food to Elmwood monthly.
We have several anonymous donors who help families with medicine cost, purchasing disposable, nonmedical but necessary supplies without ever knowing who gets the help or why.
We have a list of prayers who will pray at the drop of a hat for anyone who needs God’s help. Again, this is done anonymously by request.
When we add all of this to the Deacon’s Fund giving, the Indonesia Library, Uganda, OnPoint for College, denominational offerings, the many folk who volunteer at all of our local hospitals, our ROAM ministry, and who knows what else we are a darned active church.
What does a very active church do for the summer?
I suggest we relax a bit.
I am not suggesting that we stop everything and just veggie. I am, however, thinking that we all could use a time of rest and relaxation – maybe even some planning done in leisure rather than in a hurry.
I would suggest that it is our hurriedness that stops us from communicating well. We get moving ahead so fast that we overlook the necessity of bringing others with us on the journey. I know this happens with me. Does it happen to you?
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” As a florist, I have watched many a vine grow. If the point bud gets too far ahead of the leaves and branches, it is not well nourished and can be damaged quite easily. Sometimes it needs to just stop and let the rest of the vine catch up. Jesus seems to do this quite well.
The rest of us are not so skilled. I know I need to start again from the beginning. I have found several places where the weak link in our communication chain might just be me. Can anyone help a person who makes her living communicating on Sundays do it better on weekdays?
Pastor Tracie
