I don't remember the exact day or time that it hit me last summer, but as I was contemplating what I might do my first year in the Holston GaP Parish to reach as many members as possible, it struck me that I was to send birthday cards. Why birthday cards, you might ask? I don't know. It was a Holy Spirit "nudge". What I do know about this year of birthday cards is that it has been a blessing to me and that it truly was a way to reach quite a few people in the GaP.
My first step was to get a list of all the birthdays in the GaP. I was given a document (thanks, Mary!) of all the birthdays that were recorded in the system, listed by month and day with the church next to each name. That was extremely helpful as I went through the year and could begin to place names and faces at each church.
When I first started sending those cards in July of 2015, I didn't know really know anyone very well. I had met quite a few folks back in April at my SPRC and again at the first GaP Leadership meeting in June, but those weren't necessarily the first ones with birthdays.
Each birthday card was an opportunity for me to pray for the person as I wrote out the card and sent it. As I started getting to know some people, it was easier to personalize the birthday cards.
My main goal (as stated) was to reach as many folks as possible, physically and through a systematic way of prayer. It was a blessing for me to be able to reach out and pray in this way.
Though I didn't really have any expectations in doing this venture, I had some unexpected learning experiences during the year. For example, when cards came back, I had the opportunity to play detective to try to find current addresses. Some were found; others weren't. Some of that detective work led me to conversations with others in the community.
I know I didn't catch everyone's birthday. Some folks aren't on the birthday list. And some that are on the list we don't have addresses for them for one reason or another (some are grand-kids and great-grand-kids). Sometimes, I was able to still find addresses. But not all the time.
I was reminded through this experience that there is still something special, even today in our age of technology, for someone to receive a card in the mail. There were several comments throughout the year that made that clear to me. That was something that was unexpected for me, but good to learn.
There were 205 birthday cards that went out since last July. Everyone on the list, even those that might night have had addresses to send a card to, were prayed for during the year. That means 205 cards and 205+ stamps (those that were returned got sent back out).
Another plus to doing this was that the birthday list got updated. Names and birthdays got added to the list and we were able to find some that no longer attend or those that are celebrating their birthdays now with Jesus.
At the very end of the birthday journey, I learned a great hint at the last Provisional Elder retreat when sending out cards: fill them out weeks or a month at a time, write the birthday on the corner of the envelope, and mail as needed. That might have been helpful earlier in the year. But, that's okay. My system seemed to work out okay.
As I begin this second year, I have been praying about THIS YEAR'S focus. I wondered if it would be another year of birthday cards. It isn't.
What I feel "nudged" to do this year is to focus on the shut-ins in the GaP. Though I visited quite a few this past year, this year they will be the focus. What exactly will that mean? I don't exactly know, though I have an idea.
I have a list of all the shut-ins for the GaP from last year, but I will work with the 3 churches to make sure it is accurate and up-to-date. I have heard from folks that they'd like to be able to send cards to the shut-ins, so we will likely have those addresses more readily available. I imagine more visits to the shut-ins will be a part of this year as will birthday (and other) cards. I plan to engage the laity in each church and to join in with whatever they are already doing for/with the shut-ins and/or have them join me.
I recently learned that Gail Coleman, one of the Fort Oglethorpe UMC singers/guitar players, goes to a local retirement home (NHC in Rossville, GA) on the second Tuesday of each month with some other folks to sing and play. I plan to join them in their outreach. I have already been told that if I show up, I'd better plan on singing with them. I look forward to 'making a joyful noise unto the Lord'.
What will this second year look like as I open myself up to the nudging of the Holy Spirit? Though I have shared some of my thoughts and ideas, I don't really know what it will look like. I'm going to attempt to trust and obey the Spirit as the year goes along, much like I did for the year of birthdays.
I don't know what "nudges" you are getting from the Holy Spirit on your journey or in your areas of daily life and ministry opportunities. Whatever they are, I encourage you to take a leap of faith and follow the nudges wherever they may lead.
To God be the glory in this adventurous journey!
Debra
