We have an outstanding range of activities that start this month.
One of the highlights is Genesis Sunday, when we kick off our new
season. We have: children's choirs working on a show in early
October; new youth programs; adult education looking at issues of
the environment; small groups to build up our faith friends; mission
projects to care for hungry children. And, Westminster is chartering
a new scout troop. Our plans for all ages are tremendous.
Now in the mix, all of us need to do something that is absolutely
crucial for our strong, healthy future. We need to invite people to
join us. Look at the people around you. In the grocery store, at the
gas station, in the doctor's office, at school, wherever you happen
to go. And as you look at their faces, say,
"These are people Christ wants me to care for."
"These are people who need hope."
"These are people who have a desire to do important
things."
"I am God's love letter to them. And they are God's
love
letter to me."
Pay attention to them. Listen and ask questions of them that show
that you are authentically interested in them. Help them feel
noticed. The Bible's message is that we are to see ourselves as
hosts in God's great celebration of life. So everyday, let God's
guests feel valued.
Pray for the people you meet. Pray for them because it changes
your relationship to lift up someone in wonder and concern to God.
As one pastor said, "The more I pray, the more I just love people
with tattoos!"
Now ask yourself, what might be different for each of these
people if they were living with Christ in the support of our church.
Would that tattered marriage find redirection?
Could that frazzled single-mother find support?
Can that searching teenager find faith to guide a life?
Would that lonely brilliant engineering student find
community?
Can that bored and wandering middle-ager find
transcendence and new life?
Life can be very different for each of these people. God works
through the church to transform lives. God can work through you to
bring people to faith. It's up to you to invite them. Christ needs
you to play host in this celebration. Your invitation may end up
being life-changing!
