"We are walking in the Light of God." So goes the song we are
singing every Sunday this Stewardship season. It is an African
Children's song. It is a song of hope and trust. I think about all
the layers of meaning in this song.
It's about children. Children need songs of hope that infuse
deeply into the soul. When life is difficult, they can draw on these
resources that need to be learned when they are young. That is what
we are doing in our teaching ministry here at Westminster.
Walking in the Light of God: is a song about the presence
toward which we travel. The Light of God in the Bible is never
static. God does not stay put. God moves, and calls people of faith
to follow. Look at the scripture and see that Jesus did not talk to
people about believing in him as much as he said, "Follow me." God
requires movement. Your stewardship is about helping us to follow
Jesus together in the ways of love.
This song of hope comes from one of the most difficult places in
the world to live, Africa. Currently, we Presbyterians have seventy
some mission workers there, teaching, preaching, healing, building
roads and more. Your stewardship supports their mission.
My pastor, Dr. Carl Ericson, was a second career pastor. First he
had been a widely respected journalist. Once in a journalism class,
he taught a bright young African foreign exchange student. In
gratitude, the young man gave Dr. Ericson an African stole to wear
in worship. Many years later, Carl saw the man's picture in Life
magazine. He had grown up to become king of his country.
You never know whose life you are going to touch, and just how
important they may be or become. That is our vision in stewardship.
Walking in the Light of God, profound things will happen. Thank you
to those who have turned in your 2008 pledge card already. If you
have not turned it in yet, please bring it to worship on October 7.
We will dedicate all these gifts together.
We will share the Lord's supper with Christians from around the
world this World Communion Sunday. Afterwards, we will eat together
and hear the children sing. Together, we are walking in the Light of
God.
Sincerely,
