January 8, 2006

"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
     Ephesians 4:12

Often the letters I H S appear on church visuals such as altar cloths and books. These letters stand for the first three letters of the name for Jesus in Greek. I have read that some people use these letters to remember His call to serve Him, that is as a mnemonic trigger for "In His Service."

Pastor Barbara Hunter, Grace Lutheran Church in Long Beach, Mississippi, spoke at our church in October. Her message related to impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf coast of Mississippi. As part of her message, she stressed the miracle of volunteer help. She told us that immediately on the scene were volunteers from churches, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross. Yes, while other organizations reported it was too dangerous for them to come into the area, up pulled vehicles filled with volunteers and collections of food, water and clothing they had collected. Pastor Hunter insisted that it was the work of the volunteer workers that saved the day. She said that she didn't know what would have happened without the outpouring of volunteers.

This led me to ponder what would happen if volunteers ceased to volunteer? Especially, what would happen if Christian volunteers ceased their efforts?

Consider just the efforts of volunteers in our church. The hours given for our in-house programs alone would require a huge staff of paid professionals - or cease to exist. Wow! Paying for staff to do all the jobs currently underway would certainly require a monumental increase in our budget!

Thank God, at Abiding Presence, volunteering also goes beyond the walls of our building. Our church support is felt in many places. A few of these include the many acts of kindness given through our Care Team, the hosting of blood drives to save the lives of others, participation in CROP walks, contributions of time and possessions to Homefront and the Rescue Mission, visitations to residents of nursing homes, sponsorship for refugee families, and feeding homeless families. Likewise, many of our members volunteer hours in actions independent of church sponsorship.

The examples I have cited are just the tip of the iceberg. Yet, the list of needs - unfortunately - far exceeds what is given. Prayerfully consider this week where you could bring the love of Christ through volunteering. And just in case you think yourself unworthy or unsuited, consider this list of volunteers from over the centuries.

  • Noah had a drinking problem
  • Abraham was old
  • Isaac was a daydreamer
  • Jacob was a liar
  • Leah was ugly
  • Joseph was abused
  • Moses had a stuttering problem and was running away from a murder he committed
  • Gideon was afraid
  • Samson was a womanizer
  • Rahab was a prostitute
  • David had an affair and was a murderer
  • Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
  • Elijah was suicidal
  • Jonah ran from God
  • Naomi was a widow
  • Job went bankrupt
  • Peter denied Christ
  • The disciples fell asleep while praying
  • Martha worried about everything
  • Zaccheus was too small
  • Paul had a major illness
  • Timothy had an ulcer

And, Lazarus was dead!
Taken from a list printed in a church bulletin at
Miami Beach Community Church

Even with their "problems", God used them all for HIS service. God, also wants to use me and use you.

Lord, help me to see and hear your call for helpers. Lead me to follow the paths you identify. Amen.

Contributed by Nancy
Sunday January 8, 2006
Liturgical Year B Week 7