Remember the saying that was popular a number of years back:
Be like a duck: Remain calm on the surface, but underneath, paddle like h-e-double
hockey sticks.
It seems that’s how the Holy Spirit moves in and through us as well. On the surface, it doesn’t look like there’s much
going on at church or with others, but underneath, inside, God is tapping us on our shoulders, pricking our conscience,
disturbing our sleep, and visiting us in our prayers, as well as through friends, family, coworkers, and sometimes, even
random people we meet.
There’s a lot going on in our world these days, in our presbytery, in our church…. What is God saying to us about
these and other things? What is God saying to you? How is God tapping you on the shoulder, disturbing your sleep,
and visiting you in your prayers or through others?
At church, we’ve looked a little like ducks over the summer months too!
It appears to be fairly calm and quiet: lots of folks on vacation, choirs are on break, attendance is lower in worship,
office hours have been more relaxed . . . typical summer stuff. However, there’s been a lot of activity going on
“under the surface” that many of us may not realize:
– The Exploratory Team has been talking to presbytery and potential speakers for an event that will help
us and other churches in our presbytery learn the ropes of declining membership and how we can have
hope for the future;
– The Church Nominating Committee has begun their work to discern who God is calling to serve as
officers of our church;
– The Restructure Team (it’s a new one) has been meeting and praying and talking about ways we might
streamline our committee (and board?) structure to the best use of our gifts, time, and resources;
– The PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) has moved our MIF (Ministry Information Form) from the old
matching system at the national church to the new one (now called an MDP-Ministry Discernment
Profile) and they’re continuing to talk to candidates;
– The Mission folks (big thanks to Mark & Catharine) in “pardnership” with our Music Dept. put on an
extremely successful and very fun Country Nights fundraiser for our next Living Waters installation.
We’ve had some very nice coffees and brunches; B&G has repaired the door in the NHC wing, resealed the
parking lot, and trimmed trees and bushes; and there have been a number of other “regular” goings-on
around the church as well. I am amazed at how much this church can do (and many thanks to all who’ve made
them happen)!
But can we keep up this level of activity? If so, how? What’s required for us to initiate a growth curve? Do we
have the energy or resources to do it? Where is the Spirit of God leading us, and will God support us in it?
We’re holding a Town Hall Meeting on August 13 in the fellowship hall right after worship to talk further
about these and other matters of import to us, so please try to be there!
In the meantime, keep paddling (and praying)!
Pastor
