August 5, 2009
Being the Body of Christ
The song says “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” The Church is not a place we go, as we often say. The Church is the followers of Jesus Christ, seeking to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus.
I’ve seen the Church being Christ to one another this week. The Church grew during our 11:00 service on Sunday as three joined the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon Family. Members of the family were there to stand with and welcome these new members of the Family.
I witnessed the Church (Sharon Stephens) inviting family to worship. They filled most of a row of chairs in last Sunday’s 9:45 Service.
I witnessed the Church (Wallace and Jo Dickenson) spend a hot August day cutting shrubs, getting the Campus ready for Back to Church day.
I witnessed the Church get excited about the opportunities of a spiritual growth campaign, being called “Living the Good Life.” Tables were full Monday night with Ministry Team members planning the fall. Some spent over three hours planning. It is going to be an exciting fall.
I witnessed the Church there for the Burbage family during their journey in the valley. As I left the Funeral Home Monday evening, people were already lining up to weep with them. Then on Tuesday members of the Church provided a wonderful meal for them.
At the request of Sidney, Ginny Hughes was the Church as she blessed the congregation with the song, “Find Us Faithful.” Even in death, Sidney was reminding the Church to be the Church. And I witness the Church (Men’s Ensemble) turn out to have a part in celebrating Sidney’s homegoing.
I witnessed the Church (a generous follower) put some money in the hand of a father. I’ve witness this servant being there for others going through the family, cutting grass or providing some needed resources.
Yes, “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” Where have you been the Church lately?
Our Church is headed to Kenya on Thursday, as David Salters joins a Volunteers in Missions Team that will be serving with Michael Agwenda. We are haveing a prayer time for David and the Team on Wednesday night, August 5th, 6:15 in the Chapel.
Your staff continues to study the Book of Acts, attempting to learn what it means to be the Church from the early Church. Monday we were in Acts 4, where those early believers prayed for greater boldness in being witnesses. They also prayed for signs and wonders to be evidence of the Holy Spirit.
This Saturday, the Church will come together to pray for signs and wonders to take place in the Church. If you have not signed up for a 30 minute time of prayer in the Chapel, you can still come and pray. The Book of Acts confirms that something powerful happens when the Church comes together to pray. The Prayer Vigil runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday is Back to Church Day. I was in the hospital on Tuesday, visiting one who had surgery on Monday. As I was leaving she said she would be in worship Sunday. I said, “It’s Back to Church Day. I hope you willing be feeling like staying for lunch and afternoon activities.” She turned to her mother and said, “We want you to come with us Sunday.”
Who will you bring with you to Back to Church Day? It could be a family member, a neighbor, friends or some other association. Ask God to lead you to the person(s) God wants you to bring with you Sunday. The Good News we will be considering Sunday is “New Life is Possible.”
Every time you come onto the campus, you have the opportunity to be the Church in prayer. Become a Weekday Prayer Intercessor. Come 15 to 30 minutes early or stay a little later, and spend time in the Chapel praying for those who have made a commitment to invite someone during August and those they will be inviting. A prayer box is on the altar with instructions about praying for those who are planning to invite someone to worship during our Reach 2009 – August Camp Meeting Services.
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It is this Saturday, August 8th. You need to register today for this afternoon of fun. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
