The Pastor’s Pen

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you

to be uninformed.  Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

(1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4-7 NRSV)

          From the earliest days of the church (1 Corinthians 12), there has been a recognition that we each have been gifted by God in various ways.  We receive these gifts by God’s Spirit and the gifts for sharing for the building up of God’s realm here on earth. I suspect most of you would agree this. I believe our church shows this and has really featured the diversity of gifts present among us this summer.

The gift of music this summer has been outstanding. We’ve had special groups and soloists throughout the season. This is true for both before our Musical Director’s medical leave, and during Estelle’s absence. There have been new folks joining and working with the Joyful Noise Ukulele Band. We have enjoyed several solos, duets, and an acapella trio. And for those of you who only sing or make music from your seats in the congregation, let me tell you this: When I take a verse off from singing so that I can hear you all sing as one, you lift my spirits and charge my spiritual energy each Sunday.

We had a special service of praise with poetry this summer. When Tom Keegan suggested we have a service with poetry, I said, “Yes,” with no thought of what it might look like or even how much input people would want to give. Then a few minutes later I worried how we’d pull it off in a month. I need not have worried. Several of you sent in favorite poems that you treasure. We also had several folks send in poems, old and new, that they had written and wanted to share. Most everyone who sent in poems was on hand to read them, and WHAT A PLEASURE to hear them in those ways. People shared of their faith and inspiration, and those in the pews were moved by the gifts each brought. Without a doubt, we must do this again.

There have been other gifts shared this summer as well. Some of these we may or may not see or know of directly, but that does not mean the sharing of these gifts has been for nothing. Many have been remembered with cards, or flowers, or visits from church neighbors. There have been carpools and rides that have helped others come to church, or community, or social/fellowship events. The building and property have been repaired and kept up and kept attractive by Trustees and other helpers. This makes our space attractive and welcoming. You have welcomed visitors and new worshippers with open arms. And open minds and open hearts.  And you all have kept up your prayers for one another, our community, and our world. 

I leave you with the refrain to the 1973 hymn, “God of Change and Glory,” by Al Carmines. You can find it some Sunday morning in our hymnal #177. The tune is light and joyful and I pray light and joy for you all.

Many gifts, one Spirit, one love known in many ways.

In our difference is blessing, from diversity we praise

One Giver, one Word, one Spirit, one God known in many ways,

Hallowing our days. For the Giver, for the gifts, praise, praise, praise!