OCTOBER - From The Pastor's Pen

GREATER THINGS

            What is an individual when they are walking alone?  They  might be thinking, day dreaming or imagining as they wander. When walking solo,one might contemplate, reflect and or decide the next step in their journey.  The ability to reflect. We humans are a unique in this way and an elemental part of creation.  No other species is so deeply made.  Other beings don't need figure out what bills to pay next, channel to watch or what time they should get up in the morning.  The Zebra has few political opinions or sports favorites. These problems and there manifestations are unique to our lot and that is the wonder of  human creation. The book of Genesis would designate us as “the likeness of God”, created in His image. Whoa!  So that walk alone, in the midst of creation and with the creator is in fact a truly unique experience. What we may often take for granted is in fact, the pinnacle of  God's design for His blessed world. As it says in Psalm 8, “Who is Man that you are mindful of Him?
            Who are we?  A great question for the individual, the family unit and those of us who gather in His name each Sunday morning.  Whether alone or with another, we are called by the spirit to define ourselves and those around us in loving, compassionate and courageous endeavors.  We are not just who we say we are (that is a worldly definition) but who we show ourselves to be.  We are ultimately what others experience in us and what we experience in and with them.  It is through such relationships (along with the one we have in the Lord through the Holy Spirit) that we test our words, discover our talents and grow deeper into the knowledge of our abilities, limitations and humanness. It is here that we learn the meaning of savior and all too frequently that of sin ( our uncanny ability to hurt others from our lack of investment). It is here that we learn about forgiveness.  It is here you may want to ask about “Great Things” as it says in the title?  …......Now we can come to that.
            Along time ago I learned that if you don't take the time to learn, you don't truly learn.  Over the Summer with the Help of Brother Michael Martin and Brother Bill Cross, we embarked on a theme of learning about the Holy Spirit and what it is trying to teach and give to us for a successful life.  We preached it in Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale  It was well received and many in the church appreciated the chance to grow in spiritual knowledge.  We all profit when we learn or relearn what is important.  For this reason we are continuing our emphasis on Christian education and spiritual awareness.  Our individual commitments to Christ are, of course, personal but our walk together is cooperate, done together.  Growing and learning are the essentials to life just as stagnation and idleness lead to death.  We are created to be vibrant. (Don't be surprised if we have an Altar call some Sunday so those who have not dedicated their lives to the relationship offered by the Lord may do so.)
            In October we will all see a change in our worship time and also, at times, our worship format.  This is to allow us to grow in the spirit.  We will have a Christian education hour each week to either join or sit in on should the spirit move you.  This fall we will hold a class on dealing with Dementia and another on our needed role in combating Racism and its many evil manifestations.  We will explore books of the Bible, argue over issues and grow in the messy process of learning what the Lord would have us do.  We are wonderfully created and it does not matter if one is 6 or 96 we have the ability to love, live and learn.  It is the promise of Christ that these spiritual gifts we gain now will be in and with us forever. Join us and perhaps bring a friend. Who knows, they and you might find what you are looking for.  Peace in Christ!
 
Blessings Pastor Eric