Dear Friends,
On Thursday we will hold our annual Charge Conference (a Methodist name for annual business meeting) when among other things we will approve the budget and leadership nominations for 2010. In these past few weeks, many people have been working hard to get the “business” of the church accomplished. It’s not unusual for the most dedicated of Christian servants to start to tire of the meetings and reports, checks and balances, decisions and planning. It can be tedious at times, even border on irritating–Is this what the kingdom of God is about?
Throughout the years at Charge Conference I like to share the parable of the Pearl of Great Cost. Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it (Mat 13: 45-6). I think this parable has meaning for us in many areas of our Christian life. First, let us consider how nature makes a pearl. It starts with an irritant…a tiny gain of sand. Then, the oyster secrets a salve that covers the irritant, and continues to cover that tiny painful spot until it is solid and glossy. When the oyster is opened up, an amazing treasure is found. Ironic considering not only did it start with an irritating piece of sand, but who knew such a precious gem could come from a simple, rock-like creature in the sea.
When we are willing to let them be transformed for the sake of the Kingdom, I think God can take those irritating things of life and turn them into gems, precious treasures. This is true of church meeting and reports; it is true of people and personalities; and it’s also true about worship experiences. Recently in this e-Devotional I’ve been talking about worship as one of the main purposes of our life. But what do you do when something in a worship service irritates you? Like the oyster, I suggest you ask God over time to cover it with his healing grace. Maybe it’s the preachers’ mannerism, or the new video screen, or the way we greet one another. Whether it be the hymns sung or the person sitting next you, I guarantee that God can use it and transform it for his Kingdom! There is nothing that God cannot use as a vessel for something precious and beautiful, including you and me. The heart of worship is to offer our painful spots—whatever they are—to God and invite Him to transform them starting then and there.
I’m looking forward to worshipping with you this weekend when we celebrate our Commitments for next year. The commitment or pledge card gives you the opportunity to contribute not only financially, but prayerfully and tangibly with your whole self. Shawn Sutta and Jamie Perez will be back with us to offer special music for the occasion. Then, on Sunday evening at 7pm the Festival of Breads will be held at Perrine Peters UMC. This Thanksgiving service includes a joint choir, so I am told, and yours truly will be preaching, so I am told. After worship, there will be a sampling of breads from around the world. Be sure to bring your favorite to share. Childcare will be provided. Thank you in advance for your support and participation this weekend.
Peace,
Pastor Amber
· Help is needed this Saturday to pack SHARE food and Thanksgiving meals from 8-11am in the Fellowship Center. Strong backs & arms are greatly appreciated but all smiling faces welcome!
· A 4-week Advent Study called All I Want For Christmas will be led by Pastor Amber starting Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9:15am. If you would like to participate, contact the office by Friday so we can order you a book (cost $5). Childcare is available.
· Anyone is invited to sing with the Choir for the Christmas Cantata to be performed on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 10:30am. Practice will be on Wednesdays during the first part of choir rehearsal. Come join the holiday fun!
· Sunday is the last day to turn in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. You may also bring them to the church office this week.
