Creative Arts groups ready to go, but this year more than others with
saying goodbye to one pastor, welcoming another and being a resource to
the congregation for so many things. I am always nervous about how many
participants we will have and who will dedicate their time and energy to
this ministry of prayer and praise. Will anyone come? How will we work
together? How can we support one another? What things can we offer the
congregation?
So I began the week the same way as each year: on my knees. Not
literally, for my body won't stand for that anymore. But in my soul I was
down on my knees. I can't make anyone come to choir or puppets or bells.
I might want to, but I can't. It has to be their decision. And I'm not
an entertainer people can't resist. I'm just a faithful servant leader
who opens her heart to whoever God will send this year to build the choir
or fill out the puppet team or the bell choir.
Some of them I've had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, others
are faithful servants returning for another season. I am so grateful.
They're not all here yet – some have other commitments for a few weeks –
but I've seen enough to know we can have choirs, puppets, and bells for
another year! Praise God.
Churches are a fascinating organism. I choose organism, not organization,
because an organism is a living thing, like plants or animals or people.
Organisms need five basic things: air, water, food, energy and a place to
live. Organisms respond to stimuli, they reproduce, grow, and develop, as
they work to maintain homoeostasis as a stable whole. Let's talk about
that stable whole, that state of homeostasis. Paul says we are all a
vital part of the body of Christ, a living organism. The foot is no more
important than the hand, nor the ear than the eye. A tiny little thing
like a cancer cell can bring down the whole body, or an invisible flu bug
can render it useless for a time.
From time to time, part of the body of Christ needs help. It might be
sick with unhealthy attitudes, no one to care about it, or true illness.
It doesn't take very long for the needy part to start affecting the
others. Just think of how you feel if your tummy is out of sorts or if
you have a toothache. That one part disables the rest of your body from
functioning well. The church is like that. When one area is in trouble
it doesn't take long to affect the others. No group of people – sometimes
just two! – are going to agree on everything. One has this priority,
another has that.
Our creative arts groups are made of many different people and
personalities, but they choose to come together for one purpose. They
believe this is worth their time and they receive joy from participating.
They set aside their differences on many things and center in on something
they can enjoy together. What a marvelous example of homeostasis….the
good of the whole.
Ron and I are privileged to see this happen every year. We have no idea
just who will come to any of our groups that support Salem worship. But
after the first few weeks we see the groups begin to gel. People become
better acquainted and begin to care about each other. They grasp the
concept of team and pull together. And the result? Beautiful gifts of
praise and prayer that represent so many very different people – people
who would vote for different parties, choose different foods or mates or
houses. People who have this or that sorrow or weakness or struggle, but
put them aside to center on one purpose.
So while I am nervous and worried, God is building the body of Christ
where I can't see it – in your heart and mine. This living organism will
grow and develop, respond to need, and become a unique blessing.
I'm so glad I'm not the one in control! The body I might build would have
too much of this and too little of that. God's recipes are always best.
If you're anxious about what or who is in store for your life, humble
yourself and figuratively get down on your knees. Let God take over and
let the blessing begin!
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL
Salem Reminders:
Pray for 8 Salem youth who will affirm their faith this Sunday as they are
Confirmed in Christ at 10:30 worship.
Pray for 6 adults who will continue their journey of learning in the
Diakonia program of education for the next two years. They will be
blessed at 8:00 worship.
Pray for our Sunday School teachers and students as they begin the first
full week of class at 9:15 a.m.
Pray for all Salem ministries – be they hand or foot, ear or eye – each is
important and needs our full support.
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