The Rector's Ramblings...October 8, 2009

Glenn McDonald, in his work, The Disciple Making Church, makes the following statement: "In a healthy church we must regularly affirm that every individual is called to be a servant, not just a spectator of church life" (p. 45).  At this particular time in the life of our parish as we approach our stewardship campaign, I find this to be a truly relevant statement for each of us.  For the mission and ministry of The Church of the Good Shepherd to be fulfilled all of us have to be willing to be active participants in that mission and ministry.

This starts with a true commitment to make attendance at our Sunday worship a priority for you.  It is through our worship experience that we are both nurtured in our relationship with Jesus and empowered for ministry.  It is out of worship that those called to leadership in the congregation emerge.  Anyone who does not attend worship on a regular basis cannot really be considered a leader.

Second, we need to willingly offer the gifts that we have, our time, talent and treasure to the mission and ministry that has been entrusted to us.  Without the offering of our gifts the programs of our church would at best be diminished and at worst disappear all together.  There is nothing sadder than a beautiful old church standing idle.

Finally, each of us needs to make a commitment to share the story of the Good News of God in Christ that we have each found in this place.  If you believe in the mission and ministry of The Church of the Good Shepherd, then you should want your friends to be a part of all that goes on in this place.

Have you found true life in this place?  I know I have.  Will you join with me in bringing others so that they too might find this same sense of life?