Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift (one) has received from God.
1 Peter 4:10 TEV
Now there are varities of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varities of service, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 RSV
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; (one) who teaches in teaching; (one) who exhorts, in exhortation; (one) who contributes, in liberality; (one) who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 RSV
Greetings in Christ brothers and sisters, I am delighted to include a few words in our November newsletter. I am eager to get to know you all. Friends, let's get to know each other that we might grow in belonging and service. Let us seek deeper Christian ties of community. God has created each of us with a longing to make a difference in the world. We are as Christians wired to use our gifts in creating together God's provisional demonstration of God's ultimate society of people. We are gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit for service. So we grow together as we help each other fulfill our ministries in and throughout RUC.
I am new and confess that I do not yet know you well, don't know your congregation's passions, stories, and hopes. I do realize that it will be natural for many to watch and wonder what new thing I will initiate. I remember from a long ago time in seminary, professors shared a counter-cultural proverb, "don't do anything in your new congregation for two years." Recently, I have had some fellow pastors share a modified proverb, "don't change anything for a year." I have a friend who counsels pastors for a vocation who shared, "don't do but get to know the congregation for six months." OKay, two years is too long. One year may be just right and six months may be your preference. Together we will discern the best duration for story-telling and learning to be with each other. Please be patient with me these next six months or longer, for my primary energies will be spent asking you to share with me your stories of life and faith, how you came to RUC, why you stay, and what you want.
During our November Council Retreat, I have asked each committee chair of RUC to share the work, goals and needs of their team. Now, I am sure that the worker bees are burned out from years, decades of ministry. If you have been working on behalf of Christ's Church, RUC, for some time, I ask you hold on for a while longer. If you have had a break and want to jump back in during this exciting time, let me know. If you have not yet been asked to serve, but are willing to talk about finding a place to help, let me know.
There are so many ways to serve at RUC. There are leadership roles for those of you who yearn to direct the church into better practices and faithfulness. There are super fun roles for those of you who enjoy children and youth. There are rote positions for you brothers and sisters who really want to accomplish simple tasks. There are positions on Committees for team players. There are solo positions of responsibilities for you solo artists. There are opportunities for mission and advocacy service. I am sure there are short term - every-once-in-a-while jobs too.
So, I ask that you help Rockville United Church move forward into becoming a church with 100% membership and friend participation. Prayerfully ponder how you are involved and how you want to be involved. Then call me and we can set up a time to explore the possibilities. If you are in need of a break, let me know and I will permission you to Sabbath. If you are hurt that you were overlooked, we will pray for healing. If you are too busy, we will explore the best opportunities for what you can offer. The Church is a unique organization in our world in that God's Spirit binds us together in service to the world through each other. Please respond with your heart and your gifts of loving service.
In Christ,
Scott