Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
It was an honor to be invited to attend a special Rotary Club luncheon a few weeks ago. The occasion was the installation of Tom Eckhart as the next President of the Rotary Club of South Whidbey Island.
It gives me joy and pride to see our TLC members out in the community serving, living out their baptismal calling, being the hands and feet of Jesus in non-church settings. The luncheon also honored the incredible work of Coyla Shepherd and Bill Cochran. Bill and Coyla have been Energizer Bunnies, out there working tirelessly to make our community a better place to live. I join the Rotary Club in honoring two of TLC’s finest servants.
The inspiration for the day, a kind of opening devotion, was provided by TLC member and Rotary member Bill Haroldson. Bill shared these words:
“Tell me and I will forget.
Show me and I may not remember.
Involve me and I will understand.
If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone.
No doubt a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
One of the radical, groundbreaking, transformational teachings of Martin Luther is called “the Priesthood of all believers.” Luther taught that by baptism we are all called to be priests. By baptism we are all called to ministry. The work of the baptized is important.
Before Luther, it was only the priests and nuns who did “holy work.” Common people had common work, secular work, a kind of curse to feed their families and to support those who did God’s work. Luther turned the church upside down by teaching that the work of a mother, a teacher, a farmer, or a blacksmith was equal in importance with the work of the priests and nuns.
Each week, you are fed and forgiven at TLC. Hopefully your spirits are uplifted, and you are encouraged. That is when your work, your holy work begins. I give thanks for Tom Eckhart, Coyla Shepherd, Bill Cochran, and Bill Haroldson. I give thanks for you! May God Bless you this week as you love, forgive, wash feet, serve, teach, nurse and care for all of God’s people.
We are better together. Together we can and do make a difference.
One day closer,
Pastor Jim
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