I don't know where it comes from, so if you do, please let me know! I can
tell you there is a LOT in a word! Wars have been fought, marriages made,
babies named, companies dissolved over a word. It can be a
misunderstanding; it can be someone not hearing correctly, it can be an
old fight carried on for the sake of a grudge continued too long. Words
are powerful.
The word we're going to lift up today is "committee". This word is
utilitarian, seemingly fitting many chores and tasks. I serve on the
stewardship committee, on the property committee, on the Sunday School
committee, etc., etc. you hear people say. You say it yourself too. We
all serve on committees some place some time in our lives. Maybe church,
maybe work, maybe for the school or the library or some other town
governance office. It's part of civic duty, it's part of Christian duty,
it's part of putting our money where our mouth is, showing what's
important to us by our deeds as well as our words.
I would challenge you: substitute the word "ministry" for the word
"committee". There are a couple of reasons: first is that people make
jokes, cynical jokes, about committees. "Oh if you don't want to
accomplish anything, send it to committee" is one thing you've heard,
right? Work done in or by a committee is looked down upon; people act as
if it is a miracle that anything gets done by committee. But use the word
"ministry" instead and you and others too feel differently. "I'm part of
the Homebound Communion Ministry". How does that sound? God-blessed,
that's how! "I serve on Worship Ministry" sounds pretty special. And the
truth is, it is special. So are all the works done for the glory of God.
All are ministry. "Oh, all I do is send a birthday or anniversary card
once in a while". That's really a card ministry, isn't it? Who doesn't
like to receive something special in the mail? It lets people know they
are not forgotten, that someone thinks of them kindly. Hallelujah! The
beautiful baptismal blankets women make for every newly baptized child at
Salem are a ministry, a baptismal ministry. Every song the choirs learn
to enhance our worship together is a ministry. The huge Salem lawns are
mowed just before each weekend so our outdoors looks inviting to all,
members and strangers alike. Our Food Pantry is a ministry. Our
membership in Love, Inc. is a ministry. Our Sunday School teaches
children about Jesus. That's certainly a ministry, done by faithful
teachers week after week. Ushering is a ministry. People are welcomed
well here. The list goes on and on. No way have all been named.
People give time and thought and effort in all these ministries. The
creativity is amazing. We all need to name the work done around here.
Next time somebody asks you what you do to support God's people, please
name your work properly: you do ministry! Yes, you. You do ministry.
The priesthood of all believers that Martin Luther described includes you.
Thanks be to God.
Judy Bergeson
Diaconal Minister
UPCOMING EVENTS at SALEM:
Ash Wednesday service began at 7 PM; ashes imposed;
Soup Suppers will be served at 5:30 before Lenten services every Wed. at
7 PM; bring crackers, bread or a dessert to share.
World Day of Prayer service is written by women of Malaysia this year and
held at the United Methodist Church on Friday, March 2nd at 9:30 followed
with refreshments. All are invited.
No. Illinois Synod hosts the Congregational Resourcing Event Saturday,
March 10 from 8:30 till 3:15. Theme is "Seeds Grow Fruit – From God's
Story to Our Story". All are welcome! Call Salem's office to register at
815-895-9171. Cost is $17 before March 1st, $22 after that date.
Support Salem's Global Missions: Order butter braids before March 23; six
delicious flavors. Delivery date is just before Easter – perfect for
company. It's to raise money to send a team to Tanzania as we did a
couple years ago.
Love, In the Name of Christ is hosting a community baby shower on Feb.
25th 1 till 3 PM at Wesleyan Church, 115 S. Malta Road, DeKalb. It's a
new Gap Ministry. Bring your gifts to Salem, if you like, and we will
deliver all gifts to the Wesleyan Church.
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