Last weekend, Felicia and I were in Whitefish, Montana, for the wedding of a young man whom we have known since the day he was born. Last November, he and his fiancé joined us at our home for Thanksgiving. It is not very often that I attend a wedding when I am not officiating. My only responsibility was the table prayer at the reception. After checking in at the hotel, we exited the lobby only to be surprised by a black bear who was cruising through the neighborhood. I took this as a good sign for my Chicago Cubs; obviously, I am not very good at interpreting signs.
On Sunday we worshipped with the Presbyterians. It was a small crowd, but the worship was marked by good energy, good preaching, and a four-person choir. The people were wonderful. We were welcomed and loved at every turn. It is a reminder to me of how important it is for all of us to reach out to visitors. Someone will be in church this Sunday who needs your welcome, your hug, or your invitation to the coffee hour.
A quick word about folks asking for money on Sunday morning or at any other time at the church: Do not give them money! I repeat, do not give them money. Now, of course, if it is a friend or someone you sing in the choir with, then that is altogether different. If the person is not known to you, then giving them money is not appropriate and may do more harm than good.
Through your gifts to TLC, you are already helping people in various forms of distress. We work with every non-profit on the island to offer assistance to those who need. The important thing is to give help that will help, not give money to make ourselves feel good. So talk with them, pray with them, offer them a handshake and a cup of coffee, but do not give them money.
This weekend we will mark the 498th anniversary of the Reformation! So let’s have a party! We will be welcoming new members, rejoicing in an adult baptism, and presenting bibles to Sunday School students. We raise our voices to God as we sing classic hymns from the Reformation. We will listen to a sermon that is still under construction. The color for Reformation is red! The sanctuary will be dressed in red. If you have something red, put it on this Sunday. Red ties, red hats, and red T-shirts and sweatshirts are encouraged.
Finally, I would like to invite anyone who is interested in Senior Ministries to join me for a brainstorming meeting on Wednesday, October 28th, at 11:00 am at TLC. Let’s put our heads together and see what comes of this. I have half a brain to contribute to the conversation!
Pastor Jim
