I grew up in a church that had beautiful stained glass windows (St. Mark's Episcopal, Dalton, GA).
I traveled to Spain in 1984 and saw LOTS of stained glass windows on a tour of cathedrals there.
Churches that I have served have had cool stained glass in them. Interestingly, there were two churches in my first appointment that had similar stained glass. I am thinking it was a popular scene.
I started buying some stained glass pieces and have a colorful butterfly (made by a friend), a Celtic knot, a Celtic cross with the liturgical seasons around it (Riley commissioned it for me from our friends in Lake Junaluska), a bamboo piece for Bamboo Encounter, a lighthouse, some smaller pieces. We were gifted a cool Celtic cross this Christmas that is now hanging in our sunroom.
I don't know how or where this love for stained glass began. However, as I reflect on it, I remember the windows that lined the building on both sides of St. Mark's Episcopal. Maybe that's where my adoration for the beauty of the light came, the creativity, the craft.
The first piece I made was a honeycomb in a class. We had a choice of two projects. I chose the honeycomb one because "bee" is what my name means in Hebrew. In that class we learned how to cut, grind, foil, solder. We left that evening with our creation.
I didn't think about it too much after that. I hung my creation in the window with a suction cup (like you are NOT supposed to do, but I check it often and "pop it").
I don't know what came over me to make me want to make stained glass ornaments for the family for Christmas, but it did. So, I contacted the person that had offered the class I took and the adventure began.
I needed simple patterns to start my new adventure. I chose a Santa hat to start my new craft. I changed the pattern after making a few of them. Then I added a stocking pattern to the batch. I really liked it. It was a simple 2 piece design. I did a couple of trees for a few people at the end. I didn't cut these pieces, but I did grind and foil some of them.
I found that the time doing stained glass was therapeutic for me, calming. I also came to realize that it was becoming a spiritual practice for me because it drew me closer to God, the Divine. How, exactly, I don't know. I only know that it did and does. Maybe it's the Creator connecting with the creativity in me, the creation. Again, I can't fully explain it. All I know is that there is a holy connection when I am working on the glass pieces.
As I continued my ornament making, I found myself thinking ahead to "what's next". One thing that I wanted to do was to start making pieces that I could use as a fundraiser for PFLAG Chattanooga. Before I sold anything, however, my teacher wanted me to make a larger piece. So, my next project is Cliff. I have a 38 piece pattern that I will be working on. I will also likely start some smaller pride pieces.
Here are some photos of my stained glass journey-- from cutting the pieces, to foiling, to soldering.
I played around with where to place the "2024" and used fish swivel hooks for placement and for the hooks for hanging. I bought "S" hangers to hang them.
the first ornament I made-- my first Santa hat
my only attempt to put "fancy" dots
my only patina project
the 2nd Santa hat pattern
I am grateful to my teacher who has answered my questions, helped me fix my mistakes, taught me that glass is forgiving... that there is no major "mess up". You can fix almost anything. That has helped me grow in grace--- who knew that stained glass would teach me about grace?!?!
I am a beginner. In truth, I hope to keep a beginner's mind. That way I will continue to learn, to be open, to try new things.
I will share my progress and projects as I continue.
Going into the 4 Day Academy I shared my thoughts, some reflections, some photos from the worship space, and what I anticipated for the week. You can find that post here: 4 Day Academy at Camp Sumatanga.
Before the Academy officially began, I spent time in nature/creation playing at the playground and on rocks, walking around under the tree canopy and exploring. I wrote about that experience here: Rocks, Trees, and Mushrooms! Exploring Around Camp Sumatanga
What I haven't written about it my experience, what I learned, how I connected with God, etc. Truthfully, I'm not sure I can. I'm still processing it all. I did take notes. I even took notes during worship time of the songs we sang, the Psalms and Psalm Prayers that were referenced, Scripture shared, etc. I thought I might go back to my personal copy of the Upperroom Worship Book and look some of those up. And I still might.
In the past I've been able to write more easily about an Academy experience. I've been able to process it more fully or more quickly.... or something.
This time, I don't know. Maybe it's the theme: "Welcoming the Wilderness". Maybe it's deeply embedded within me this time and I don't need to rush it out. Maybe it needs time to incubate, to grow, to put down roots within me. I am not fully sure.
I do know that I am glad I took the time, made the time for this time apart. It was a gift to and for me, to focus on God, creation, and to spend time in the rhythm of the Academy so that I could more effectively listen to the Creator.
My soul was refreshed. I know that. Through the rhythms, the worship, the conversations, the silence, the solitude, the sharing from the faculty, and the sharing within community. Add to that the bountiful beauty of God's creation.
I heard names of authors I knew and learned new ones.
To trust that all these things are working within me is just that-- TRUST. It is not anything I can see.
However, I know that I opened the space, that I listened, that I put in the time. Therefore, I know that there are seeds planted, there are roots growing deeper, there is healing and growth. Even if I don't see it or feel it. I can trust.
I am grateful for the team and our faculty (Larry Peacock and Dale Clem). I am grateful for all the people I met. Most of them were from Alabama, but some were from Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio and Illinois.
One of the authors that came up was Chardin and his writing "Trust in the slow work of God". That took me back to my Spiritual Direction coursework and how impactful that was for me then. I remember creating an hour glass prayer with the phrase "trust in the slow work of God". I can't find where I wrote about that specifically, but I think it went something like this:
trust in the slow work of God trust in the slow work trust in the slow trust trust trust in the slow trust in the slow work trust in the slow work of God
By taking each phrase and allowing it to be aligned with one's breath, it becomes a type of breath prayer. It allows an intentional focus. The post where I wrote about Chardin was "Healing Takes Time".
It's going to take some time to process my 4 Day Academy.
One thing I can share here and now is the daily focus.
Here are the words of the day:
Gifts
Stillness
Healing (me in the mirror)
Healing (me not in the mirror)
Hope
These words are "spot on" for my life, just as was so much else. The wilderness is home for me. Not just because I have had so many wilderness experiences in my life, but because it is also the place where I know and experience God best. That's why I am drawn to outdoor worship, to hike, to be outside on the deck, to be in a hammock, to walk, to bike, etc.
There is much for me to process, though I wonder if it is meant to work beneath the surface, so to speak. I don't know. I do know that the Academy time was and is part of my growth and healing, part of my learning and calling.
I am glad I was able to attend.
I am also glad I was able to hike up to Creel Chapel on Wednesday, October 9th. That was super meaningful to me and special as that was my 60th birthday. Though it (turning 60) has been a quiet time of celebration this year for me, it has not been without contemplation.
My goal is to live in the moment, in the here and now. As Thomas Merton has taught me for many years: "I do not [have to] know where I am going." Would you believe that Merton came up during the week too?!?! Merton has been my companion through my commissioning, my ordination, and to this day. :)
The season of Christmas is almost over on this 12th day (now 12th night) of Christmas. Tomorrow is Epiphany and we celebrate the arrival of the Magi to the Christ child (who is about 2 years old at this time) and his family. We recognize the gifts they bring. What we don't often consider (or maybe it's just me) is all the young boys age 2 years and under who were ordered killed by Herod once he learned that the Magi tricked him by returning another way home once they found the Christ child.
What caused Herod to take such an extreme action? What kept him from being able to see the light, the wonder, the promise, the love, the hope that the young child (Jesus) offered? How could some see it, like the Magi, but not the King?
It is a custom in some cultures to leave out shoes on this night for the Magi to fill with gifts. If I were to put out my shoes tonight, what gifts might I hope to see tomorrow? I think I would want to see gifts of hope, love, joy, and peace. What gifts would you want the Magi to bring you this year?
Rev. Deb
P.S. The photo is of my only ornament with Magi that I put out this year. It's a carved gourd.
Spiritual gifts (or "grace-gifts" from The Passion Translation) are mentioned in the passage. Romans 12:1-8 is one of three passages that lists them.
Because I live, love, and lead from a foundation of fun and play, Mr. Potato Head made his way into the sermon yesterday, as part of the discussion on how each of the parts are needed.
Below you will find the transcript, the YouTube link, and the SoundCloud audio link.
There was a weird "freeze up" during the premiere yesterday on FaceBook, but not on YouTube. When the freeze stopped, the service started over. We directed folks over to the YouTube site. We haven't figured out yet what happened or if others experienced anything similar. [Since Sunday, I have written and spoken to others who had a similar "freeze" during FaceBook premiere, but I don't know the cause of it.] From those who were watching on YouTube at the time, it didn't seem to occur there. Technology is wonderful, yet challenging.
1Beloved friends, what should be our proper
response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to
God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all
that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture
around you,but be inwardly transformed by the Holy
Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to
discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his
eyes.3 God has given me grace to speak a warning
about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not
create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by
using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will
see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. 4 In
the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. 5 And so it is in the body of Christ. For though
we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we
are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.
6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us
varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you
the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion
of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in
serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively
teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement,then use it often to encourage others. If
you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you
prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of
leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of
showing compassion,then flourish in your cheerful display
of compassion.
Title comes from verse 5. But let’s go back and start with verse 4—
4 In the human body
there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. 5 And so it is in the body of Christ. For though
we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we
are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.
We are many parts and
organs, each with a unique function. One
body.. Vitally joined to one another.
Who here is familiar with
Mr. Potato Head? (Now when I say “who
here”, I know that I am the only one in this physical space, but what I mean is
all y’all on YouTube or FaceBook.) If
you ever had or played with a Mr. Potato head, go ahead, type it in now. Let us know.
Here is my Mr. and Mrs.
Potato Head suitcase. Yes,
suitcase. Remember I am a retired language
teacher. This came in handy when we
learned vocabulary for body parts. Just
as it does today when we are talking about the body of Christ and its many
parts.
We would not function
properly without each member of the faith community living into their role in
the body. We help each other out and
work together as needed.
Verse 6 says this—“God’s
marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are
uniquely ours.”
It goes on from the 2nd
part of verse 6 to the end of today’s passage in verse 8 talking about
grace-gifts and gifts. What a great
expression “grace-gift” is in The Passion
Translation, as all gifts given are by grace and we receive them by grace
equally.
Before we look at the
specific gifts, let’s talk about gifts in general.
Do you ever NOT open a
gift given to you? Think about it for a
moment. When someone gives you a gift,
do you ever NOT open it? You might be
shy to open it in front of the giver, but most likely, you DO open it,
right?!?! Gifts are picked out
specifically for another person based on their personalities, their likes,
etc. The giver enjoys giving as much as
the receiver enjoys receiving.
That’s how it is with the
gifts in today’s passage. We are uniquely
created and gifted. The One who knows us
best has given us gifts. We are to use
those gifts for the one body.
Let’s look at the gifts
listed: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership,
compassion.
These gifts listed in
today’s passage are not an exhaustive list of the gifts given. There are other passages with gifts.
You may be asking
yourself at this point, ‘how do I know what my gifts are?’ Or you may be saying to yourself, ‘I don’t
have any gifts… this isn’t for me.
Note: we all have gifts,
whether we recognize them or not. Here’s
a couple of ways to find out what our gifts are:
1-Ask folks who are close to you. The people who know you best, who have
observed you—they will know some of your more obvious gifts. The grace-gift of encouragement tends to
stand out. If someone is an encourager,
you can spot them.
2-Take a spiritual gifts inventory. There are short ones and there are long
ones. I am grateful to the Council members
for taking a rather lengthy one several months back so I could learn what their
gifts are. In the process, we learned
that we are a well-rounded group of leaders in our giftedness. There is more for us to explore, as there
always is with any topic. Our Disciple’s
Path class that started in January and just recently ended in July also took a
a spiritual gifts inventory. (I’ve
mentioned spiritual gift inventories in the past and posted links on our FB
pages. I will post again.)
The
purpose of spiritual gifts is found in Ephesians 4:12-13: “12 His
purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the
body of Christ13 until we
all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us
to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the
fullness of Christ.”
As we learn and live into
our grace gifts, our spiritual gifts, then we as the entire body of Christ can more
effectively live into the mission and ministry we are called to be and do.
You may not be aware, but
we have areas in the faith community that need the grace-gifts of the body:
technology (there are many aspects), youth, children, finance, etc., etc.,
etc.
I invite you to learn what your spiritual gifts are
and then begin to explore where you best can serve in mission and ministry based
on those gifts.
If you wondered how your gifts could fit into an area
of leadership, I put together a sheet connecting those details. For example, for someone that has the grace
gift of encouragement that is listed in today’s passage, here is where they
could plug into the faith community: Nominations/Leader
Development; SPRC; Finance; Nurture, Outreach, Witness; Age-Level/Family
Ministries; Children's Ministries; Youth Ministries; Young Adult; Adult; Older
Adult; Family; Camp & Retreat; Campus; Christian Unity & Interreligious
Relationships; Church Media Resources
We must all figure out what our function is and live
into it so that we are able to effectively function as one body.
It is important that we remember that we are one body
with many parts and that we are all gifted.
Even if we haven’t begun to live into our giftedness, it isn’t too late.
The renown poet Mary
Oliver passed away at age 83. She had a
gift of being able to speak into lives with her words through her poetry. In her poem, “The Summer Day”, a line that
has spoken to many is the final line: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with
your one wild and precious life?”
We each have something
to contribute, a gift given to us by the Holy Spirit, for the common good of
community.
As we contemplate our
gifts and how we might use them for the good of the kingdom and the glory of
God, hear this short Mary Oliver poem entitled “The Gift”.
Be still, my soul, and
steadfast.
Earth and heaven both
are still watching
though time is
draining from the clock
and your walk, that
was confident and quick,
has become slow.
So, be slow if you
must, but let
the heart still play
its true part.
Love still as once you
loved, deeply
and without
patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful.
That the gift has been
given.
---------------------------------
May the Holy Spirit
guide us as we seek to know our gift, to grow as mature believers, sharing the
gifts given to us, so that together we can live effectively as one body.
May we grow as
disciples of Christ so that we can make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
Here is this past Sunday's sermon: transcript, recording, and bulletin cover.
“Living into Who You are Created to Be”
Luke
4:14-21 (CEB)
January 27, 2019 (3rd Sunday after
Epiphany) (youth at Resurrection)
Fort Oglethorpe UMC
Luke
4:14-21(CEB)
14 Jesus returned in the
power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole
countryside.15 He taught in their synagogues and was
praised by everyone.
16 Jesus went to Nazareth,
where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he
normally did and stood up to read.17 The synagogue
assistant gave him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll
and found the place where it was written:
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to
proclaim release to the prisoners and
recovery of sight to the blind, to
liberate the oppressed, 19 and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
20 He rolled up the scroll,
gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the
synagogue was fixed on him.21 He began to
explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been
fulfilled just as you heard it.”
Two
weeks ago we celebrated Baptism of the Lord Sunday, talking about Jesus’
baptism and we remembered that we are baptized with a calling into serving.
Last
week’s Scripture passage reminded us that we all have gifts to share from the
Holy Spirit. At the other two churches I
reminded them that since I have served this appointment, we have spoken about
spiritual gifts quite a bit. In fact,
when I first came in, you all were just starting to study about spiritual gifts
and we had several sessions on spiritual gifts, from learning what they are, to
learning what ours are by taking a spiritual gifts inventory, to following up
with what we do with our gifts once we know what they are. We’ve had several sermons along the way about
them too.
We
know that the gifts are given by the Spirit and are for the common good.
Today’s passage shows us Jesus living into who he
was and who he was created to be.
Let’s look at the scene again for a moment and
think what it might have been like to be there.
Jesus went into the synagogue as he normally did
and stood up to read. The attendant
handed him a scroll to read. Much like
we read from the lectionary, they had certain portions of Scripture that were
read at different times and seasons.
Jesus read the passage from Isaiah 61 from the scroll. Everyone would
have known it well.
Pastor Ed Vissersays this about Jesus reading
the scroll: “As we read in this passage, Jesus was in the habit of attending
synagogues in Galilee, often being asked to read the Bible and preach. In those
days, that entailed reading a prescribed Torah passage & a self-chosen
portion from the prophets, all done standing. Then the reader would sit in
Moses’ Seat and share what the Scripture meant to him (the sermon).
One Sabbath Jesus was invited to do
so in his hometown synagogue in Nazareth. We don’t know what the Torah portion
was for the day, but Jesus chose to read Isaiah 61:1-2, changing the reading in
a couple of important ways: 1) he dropped the last half of Isaiah 61:2, “the
day of vengeance of our God”; and 2) he added a phrase from Isaiah 58:6, “to
release the oppressed.”
Jesus made it clear what his mission and calling
were.
What about us today?
What is our individual mission and calling?
What is our collective mission and calling as a
community of believers?
Can we take the same scroll from Isaiah and apply
it today? Is it still applicable?
V. 18-- The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to
proclaim release to the prisoners and
recovery of sight to the blind, to
liberate the oppressed,
As a baptized child of God,
remember, the Spirit of the Lord IS upon you.
You are anointed and gifted. In
today’s setting, who are the poor to whom you are called to preach the good
news? Who are the prisoners to whom you
will proclaim release? Who are those
that need recovery of sight? Who are the
oppressed?
As you reflect on those
questions, what comes to mind?
We are reminded in Luke’s
passage that Jesus is called “to be an agent of mercy to the downtrodden in
this world: he will be good news to the poor, release to the captives, sight
for the blind, freedom for the oppressed.” (Robert M. Brearley, Feasting on the Word, 286)
Just as Jesus was called to
be an agent of mercy, so are we.
As we tune our listening to
the Holy Spirit to hear what we are called to do, then we can act upon it. Because we are all gifted by the Holy Spirit,
we might be called as a church community to do a multitude of things.
We already know that God has
placed ministry in our midst through the opportunity to show hospitality to Son
Servants, Weight Watchers, our Cubs and Girl Scouts, the Jam, Line Dancing,
the YMCA programs.
In addition to hospitality,
we have opportunities to serve through the YMCA with backpack blessings and
LINK at the Y.
Then, there are the
shut-ins, our connections with schools…
But, what else has the Holy
Spirit given you to do?
Let me share something
“else” I feel the Holy Spirit has given me to do.
Last year I had a day apart
at Reflection Riding with the SoulCare Project.
Part of my day was silent and solitude, wandering around the
property. I found a bamboo patch. Inside that patch, it felt like a
sanctuary. Though I didn’t realize the
significance of it then, a seed was planted for an outdoor worship
service. Through several situations and
conversations, it looks like the Holy Spirit might be opening up the
opportunity to try a once a month service outside, for folks who desire to
worship the Creator in creation. I’m
still in the discerning process, but I’m also following through with
conversations to see if this is truly something that the Holy Spirit is opening
up for me as an opportunity in a new way, in addition to the other ways God is
nudging me to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the
world.
“The Holy Spirit gives us
something to do for God.” (Robert M. Brearly, Feasting on the Word, 286)
A quote from Tom Harvey, a
missionary in Singapore: “Mission catches you up in the life and vitality of
God, for it is God who relentlessly draws men and women to himself in love and
compassion. Moreover, when we step away
from mission, there is a corresponding depletion of the life and vitality in
the church.” (Feasting on the Word, 286)
“How can we know that we
have the power of the Spirit? We know
because the Holy Spirit gives us something to do for God, and a time to do
it. There is a sense of urgency in Jesus’
mission. He finished reading, rolled up
the scroll, gave it to the attendant, sat down, and with all eyes upon him
said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The time of God’s Holy Spirit is today, right
now.
Only you can use the gift
the Holy Spirit has given you.
Therefore, live into who you were created to be, and know that the Holy
Spirit will guide you each step of the way.
As we live into the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit,
participating in various ministries and activities for the common good of the
community, think about what can be accomplished for the kingdom of God.
The potential for kingdom work grows exponentially as we
allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us.
May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to know our gift, to
grow as mature believers, sharing the gifts given to us, so that we can live
into the unique person we were created to be.
May we be disciples of Christ so that we can make disciples
of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Here is this past Sunday's sermon transcript and the two recordings from the different services. There is a link to the spiritual gifts inventory assessment too.
“One Spirit; Different Gifts”
1
Corinthians 12:1-11 (CEB)
January 20, 2019 (2nd
Sunday after Epiphany)
Flintstone UMC, Simpson UMC
1
Corinthians 12:1-11(CEB)
12 Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be
ignorant about spiritual gifts.2 You know that when you
were Gentiles you were often misled by false gods that can’t even speak.3 So I want to
make it clear to you that no one says, “Jesus is cursed!” when speaking by
God’s Spirit, and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.4 There are different spiritual gifts but the
same Spirit;5 and there are different ministries and the
same Lord;6 and there are
different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.7 A demonstration of the Spirit is given to
each person for the common good.8 A
word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one person, a word of knowledge to
another according to the same Spirit,9 faith
to still another by the same Spirit, gifts of healing to another in the one
Spirit,10 performance of
miracles to another, prophecy to another, the ability to tell spirits apart to
another, different kinds of tongues to another, and the interpretation of
the tongues to another.11 All
these things are produced by the one and same Spirit who gives what he wants to
each person.
Since
I have served this appointment, we have spoken about spiritual gifts quite a
bit. In fact, when I first came in, you
all were just starting to study about spiritual gifts and we had several sessions
on spiritual gifts, from learning what they are, to learning what ours are by
taking a spiritual gifts inventory, to following up with what we do with our
gifts once we know what they are. We’ve
had several sermons along the way about them too.
Like
many themes in the Scriptures, the gifts given by the Spirit are not something
we can talk too often about. The more we
hear about them, the more we learn. The
more we learn about them, the more we can put them into action.
As
Paul states in today’s passage, he doesn’t want us to be ignorant about
spiritual gifts. (verse 1) In verses
4-6, he explains that there are many gifts, ministries, and activities, but the
same Spirit, Lord, and God: “There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;5 and
there are different ministries and the same Lord;6 and
there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in
everyone.”
He explains that the gifts are for the common
good.
He then goes on to list quite a few gifts in
verses 8-10:
*A word of wisdom
*A word of knowledge
*Faith
*Gifts of healing
*Performance of miracles
*Prophecy
*Ability to tell spirits apart
*Different kinds of tongues
*Interpretation of tongues
In verse 11, Paul reminds us once again that the
gifts are produced by the one and same Spirit and given to each person.
Not all of the gifts given by the Spirit are
listed in this passage. To get a fuller
listing of the gifts, we also have to look at other passages, such as Romans
12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11. Notice that I
said “fuller listing” rather than “full listing” because we cannot limit the
Holy Spirit, who is alive and working continually. Jesus reminded the disciples that once he was
gone, the Holy Spirit would be sent on his behalf, to teach them. (John 15:26
is one example of this-- 26 “But I will send you the Advocate--the Spirit of truth. He will come to you
from the Father and will testify all about me.” (NLT))
As you look at different spiritual gifts
inventories, you will notice the difference in spiritual gifts that are noted
and listed for the inventory purpose. And
because we know that the Holy Spirit continues to work in and through us today,
we can be careful to not limit the Holy Spirit, but rather we can be open to
allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and to work in and through us.
What are we to get from today’s passage?
1. Every person who confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted
by the Holy Spirit in some way.
2. All of the gifts from the Holy Spirit are to
be used for the common good, for the whole community.
3. All gifts are equal and activated by the grace
of God.
(Feasting
on the Word: Year C, Volume 1, Karen Stokes, 256)
This was then, but it is also now. Do we believe it? Do we live it?
Think about the variety of ministries and activities
you participate in. Now think about that
multiplied by each person here.
As we live into the gifts given to us by the Holy
Spirit, participating in various ministries and activities for the common good
of the community, think about what can be accomplished for the kingdom of God.
The potential for kingdom work grows
exponentially as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us.
Often, it is simply learning what our gift is
that opens the door to using it.
Sometimes our gifts are lying in wait, for us to
take a chance, a risk, a step and use that gift.
If you haven’t thought about your gift, often someone
else can point it out to you as they notice it in you. Has anyone ever told you that you sent a
timely note, made a timely call or that you have the gift of encouragement? Listen to those observations.
As you listen to the observations of others, listen
to the Holy Spirit, take an inventory, then you will be able to discern what
gift is yours to share in the kingdom work for the common good of others.
We learn the purpose of the gifts in Ephesians
4:12-13: “12His purpose was to equip
God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ13 until we all reach the unity of faith
and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be
fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ.”
The gifts that the Holy Spirit gives each one of
us is meant to serve and build up the body of Christ, helping us grow into
mature believers.
If we are on that path already, then that is great.
If we aren’t, then what can we do differently?
First, make sure we know what our gift is and use
it for the building up of the kingdom.
We can also pray.
We can pray that God molds us and makes us into a more united, a more
mature body of Christ that uses the given gifts for the common good.
Once you’ve taken the assessment, share your
findings with one of the pastors, your prayer partner, your Sunday School
class.
If you want/need more information on your
particular spiritual gift, we will help you find it.
Remember that you have been given a gift to be
shared.
As each of us shares the gift given to us by the
Holy Spirit for the common good, the body of Christ will be built up. It will grow in maturity.
This past week, the renown poet Mary Oliver
passed away at age 83. She had a gift of
being able to speak into lives with her words through her poetry. In her poem, “The Summer Day”, a line that
has spoken to many is the final line: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with
your one wild and precious life?”
We each have something to contribute, a gift
given to us by the Holy Spirit, for the common good of community.
As we contemplate our gifts and how we might use
them for the good of the kingdom and the glory of God, hear this short Mary
Oliver poem entitled “The Gift”.
Be still, my soul, and steadfast.
Earth and heaven both are still watching
though time is draining from the clock
and your walk, that was confident and quick,
has become slow.
So, be slow if you must, but let
the heart still play its true part.
Love still as once you loved, deeply
and without patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful.
That the gift has been given.
May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to know
our gift, to grow as mature believers, sharing the gifts given to us.
May we be disciples of Christ so that we can make
disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Amen.
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At Flintstone UMC, we sang "Holy Spirit, Rain Down" by Hillsong.
As I was leaving to head to Simpson UMC, they were singing "Spirit Song", UMH 347.
