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In a few days I will be attending our Church’s Annual Conference. Once a year United Methodist from central and southern Illinois get together to hear reports from a variety of ministries that together we not only support but we encourage to continue touching lives for Jesus. But there is more than reporting there is also a time to worship and be inspired to lift Jesus up to a needy world. There is even a time to remember those leaders who have left this earthly existence and gone to the heavenly kingdom. And each year there is a new ‘class’ of ministers who are ordained to bring their gifts and graces to the churches in our area.
However, all of the routine happenings of Conference are not the highlights for me personally. For me there is nothing like greeting and sharing with those who through the years have become an important part of my life. There are other ministers that have stood by me through the years and have enriched my life in many ways. There will be laity there who I have grown to not only appreciate but who have taught me a variety of life lessons. Sharing stories and even food together seems to become a holy time for me.
Conference is a reminder that people are where life is really at. Organizations are important but the humans of the organizations are much more important. Today as I think about my time with others from this part of the world I am ever grateful for people who have made my life richer and more meaningful. I thank God for others.
There are many times I am so happy to be a pastor of a caring and compassionate church. Today I opened two emails that touched my heart. One was from our mission chair person who informed me that he had authorized some money to go to aid the disaster victims in Missouri and he also informed me that one of our members is on his way. He has been trained to help and is going to see what he can do. The other email was from a person in a Sunday school class who is seeking help to distribute food to some needy families in our community.
Not only have I received emails today but I went to the hospital to visit a person from our congregation. When I entered the room I saw some of our members in the room and they were there to help in any way they could. It truly has been a day that has reminded me that in God’s kingdom there are many workers and I am blessed to know some of them.
I am often guilty of judging the church by numbers. How many are in this or that activity? But numbers cannot tell the total story of a Church’s health. Today I learned again that O’Fallon First has those who are listening to God and reaching out in His love to others. Is not this a sign of spiritual health, too?
I know professional basketball is not everybody’s ‘thing.’ But I like it and I have found myself watching the NBA’s play-offs. Last night I watched the Bulls play the Heat. Miami Heat this year paid some big money to obtain some star players. I thought they would be the team of the year with the big three they have on their team. But the Chicago Bulls won the first game easily. Before the game the announcers were doing what they do best just talking and wondering. One person said the Bulls would win this series because they had a deeper bench. Another announcer said that they spent all their money on the ’stars’ and could not afford as good a bench as the Bulls. I like where they were going with their comments. Too often we overlook the bench players and yet they are vital to the game, too.
I don’t know who will win this series but I do know that on God’s team there are no unimportant persons. Everyone has something to contribute. And so rather than trying to be a star like someone else how about just being you. God can and does use the unknown ‘yous’ to carry out His will. I guess I like this thought because I have always thought of myself as a bench player not a star. It takes all kinds to not only make the world but to make God’s kingdom move forward.
Life is amazing at times. Phyllis and I went for a bike ride with a couple from our Church. Finishing the ride we all went to “Bobby’s” for some ice-cream. After getting our ice-cream we looked around for a seat. Being a nice warm day “Bobby’s” was packed. Because all the seats were taken we took seats on a concrete ledge. Sitting there I noticed a young woman sitting reading the book, “Heaven is Real.” Being very familiar with the book both Phyllis and I told her were enjoyed that book. She said she had just gotten it and was enjoying it.
This young woman had her two children and a dog with her. Her children shared how the dog could ride on the bikes with them. As they got ready to leave the mom shared she was having a rough day and the book was helping. So, I suggested I offer a prayer for her. When I finished I looked at her and told that it will be ok. She had tears in her eyes. It was then the amazing happened. Her daughter reached over and kissed her mom and said, “I love you, mom.” I was blessed to witness a tender moment between a mom and her daughter. Life is amazing and today I find myself praying for this young mom and her children.
I am just getting back from spending some time away. I was able to spend some time with my mom which was rewarding. She is doing fine considering she now finds herself alone and at times very lonely. She is determined to go on and find her place in life. I am blessed to be able to see my mom from time to time. I not only got to see my mom but I was able to get reacquainted with some other of my relation too. All in all it was a great time.
Phyllis, my spouse, and I spent more time than normal on exercise. We rode bikes and jogged every day. Today my legs now that I have been used them more. On one of our jogging times we went around my hometown. We went by several churches that I knew about and could tell by the outdoor signs that the churches were in decline. (For example no longer offering Christian education and cutting back on number of worship services). I asked some people who know my hometown and they confirmed what I saw. But what was interesting is that these churches have not only kept their property up but in a couple of cases done some major remodeling.
It seems strange to me that my hometown churches know how to keep their buildings up and yet have trouble reaching the lost. I enjoyed my rest and it gave me new eyes to see again that our mission is to make disciples and that is our top priority. Pray with me that our Church will have has it top priority to reach out to make disciples that will transform our world.