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This past Sunday night our church had its annual Thanksgiving meal. There was food everywhere. It was lined up the entire downstairs hallway. I enjoyed the ‘eats’ but more I enjoyed the fellowship of many good friends. I am always concerned at a church gathering that no one is left out from fellowship. Some individuals are so shy that it is difficult for them to meet new people and some of those who have been attending this meal for years tend to visit with ‘old’ friends. I pray that I will always keep an eye out for the those who are not insiders to what is going on and that I will also count my blessings that I have friends and family that help me feel a part of the church family.
This Thanksgiving Phyllis and I are celebrating it in new ways. Our children are busy on the holiday and so we are going to celebrate it with some other families. Life is an adventure to be lived and I am glad that there are some new happenings that come our way. Even as I think of a new way of celebrating an old tradition I rejoice that someone wants to eat a meal with me. I trust whether you are alone or with family or even strangers you count your blessings and you will be surprised at all that God has graciously given you.
I have been doing some more reading about churches in the United States. Because of my current reading I woke up early this morning thinking about the organization of the church. The Church of Jesus Christ has become more an organization than followers of Christ on a mission. The mission seems to overshadowed by the personal preferences of those who claim to be disciples of Jesus. It would seem at times that more energy is put into keeping the organization going than in truly be a light in a dark world. It seems that committee work has taken the place of the Great Commission to make disciples. Even more alarming is the trend toward wanting to ’work in the church’ and miss the many opportunities to do God’s work that is all around in our world. If you read these words I ask you to do two things. First pray. I certainly need those prayers because I don’t want my personal preferences to be the guiding principle of this church. Secondly pray for yourself. Ask God to give you a heart to reach out to those who need your touch of love. Thirdly, pray for all churches. The Church of Jesus Christ can bring transformation to our needy world. Pray that the Church of Jesus Christ will truly be the Church. Fourthly, pray for our nation. We are going to have a new President and he along with his leadership team will need all of our prayers. Also pray that our nation will see again that the only Savior of the world is Jesus. Well, I have vented and now I feel somewhat better. Thanks for reading this and most of all for your prayers.
Yesterday Phyllis left with Rowan and his parents to take them to Chicago to catch the plane that would take them back to Belgium. Last night the house felt different. It was quiet and I spent the evening picking up toys and putting them in their place. The house looks cleaner but I would take a mess to have the laughter and joy that was there for a season. I am sitting in my office earlier than usual and getting work done but realizing again that the simple joys of family are really where life takes on great meaning. As I sit here I am planning my trip to visit them. I can’t wait to hold Rowan in my arms and see how freely he gives and takes love. Seeing life through a two year old’s eyes is wonderful.
I have beening reading an interesting book about what is happening in churches today. This author and church ‘expert’ stated that there are really only three types of church members today. The first was change and if they don’t see change they leave. They are restless and want action now. In this group, according to the author, are 20% of the church. The second group want control. They want the church to be just like they want it to be. It really is about making the church fit their idea of what it should be. This group is about 20%, too. They may join with the group wanting change if it is change they want. The third group comprised of the remaining 60% are open to ideas and imput and do not have an agenda as such. What is interesting to me is that this author believes that no matter what a church does some are going to leave because their is no change or because the change is not to their liking. I am thinking all this through and asking God to work in my heart and let me not push for the change I want or to hold on to the things that are dear to me that may stop the Church from doing kingdom work. All this is soaking in my mind and asking God to show me the way to truth.
Rowan, our first and only grandson, is in town for a visit. Of course he brought his parents along. He even sat through all three church services this past Sunday. He is two and explore everywhere and everything. He loved the church music and even did a little dancing at the 11:03 service. As you can tell I am a very proud grandparent. Taking him to church on Sunday opened my eyes to how much ‘work’ it is to take young ones to church. I thanked God for the many ways our church helps in this endeavor but I also got a vision that we should do more. I am going to have to think on this topic but before I do much thinking I need to spend some more time with Rowan. Today I normally eat lunch with a group of ministers and I think Rowan is calling to me to skip that meeting and go out for a Happy meal at McDonald’s. He hasn’t had one yet. Family is wonderful.