A Summer Theme

I am an admirer of Winston Churchill, and I have a number of quotes from him that I pull out on occasion. One evening after dinner, he was offered dessert, but he rejected it, saying as he pushed it away, “This pudding has no theme.” Reflecting on this, another writer remarked, “I don’t want my life to be like Winston’s pudding.” Amen!

As we approach the beginning of the summer months, one very clear theme is emerging in the life of our congregation. The theme that is percolating all around our church life is the desire to discover and put our God-given gifts into action. Examples of this abound. I am thinking on the growth of the Men’s Ministry and their recent efforts to work in and around the church.

I am remembering “An Evening of Music” as Clayton Nunes and Fred Lieder shared their musical gifts with us. Who could forget the efforts surrounding our celebration of Black History Month, or the viewing of the “War Room” that explored the power of prayer on marriages, parenting, and careers? Interestingly, more people came to view the film from outside our church than from inside.

Through Stop Hunger Now, we fed another 10,000 people as 50 plus people came together to provide meals overseas for those less fortunate than we. Wait, there’s more! Our Children's Ministry Team threw a party for our children on Palm Sunday, using their gifts to teach, play games, sing, and tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Some have used their gifts to provide a new website. Our Senior’s team, led by Loretta Reid has provided one, and is planning several other luncheons in recognition of our MHBC seniors. And, our Coffee Fellowship Team continues to provide creative and delicious fellowship opportunities every Sunday following worship. I could go on, but I think I have made my point.

Just consider the rich variety of spiritual gifts I have just listed. There are those who know how to work with their hands, caring for the building; those who prepare food; those who know how to be hospitable; those who teach; and those who bring love and cheer to people not often thought of; those with administrative skills. Again, we could go on and on. We are gifted in this way, not to glorify US, but rather for the health and “building up” of the Body of Christ. Are you a leader or a speaker? Are you filled with compassion? Can you teach? Can you sing or play an instrument? Fitness people tell us that “if we don’t use it, we lose it.” The same is true in the realm of spiritual gifts. We must flex our gifts to keep the Body fit and strong. I’m wondering: what gift do you have for us?

I suspect old Winston would not send any of our ministries and missions back to the kitchen for lack of a theme, do you?