From Pastor Hazel

Service

As a means of being a servant, it is helpful to identify one’s spiritual gifts and put them to work. No one set of gifts can do the work of the church. It takes the gifts of many dedicated Christians to work together towards a common cause. One’s strengths should balance one’s weaknesses and welcome the work of others who can fill in the areas where one may not be strong. Together-in-service means that the tasks will be done and done well if everyone works together for the good of God’s Kingdom here on earth and the church.
God tells us to “love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, minds, souls and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.” This requires us to love others so much that we share our strengths to help them become better people and we open ourselves to receive help from them so that our weak areas will be strengthened, therefore yielding outstanding teamwork. There is no place for competition in doing God’s work. Service is working for the Lord in a manner that benefits others and the church.
The Discipline of Service is a discipline that is not readily accepted by everyone. Americans prefer to be served than to serve others. God had other intentions and makes it clear in Genesis 18:18 that Abraham would be the father of many nations and was blessed to be a blessing. Doesn’t this indicate that Abraham would bless others by serving them?
Adele Calhoun in Spiritual Disciplines Handbook states that God’s trajectory is to bless the earth through His people; and to show them exactly what He has in mind, He comes to earth as one who serves (Luke 22:27). Jesus is God with us, and He calls us to serve as well (Matthew 22:37-39). The Christian discipline of service is the way the world discovers the love of God. We become God’s vehicle for the earth to be blessed.
Richard Foster expresses in Celebration of Discipline, that more than any other single way, the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the Discipline of service. Humility as we know it is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. He states that, “Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service, but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. If we refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. Every time we crucify the flesh, we crucify our pride and arrogance.”
Apostle John wrote in I John 2:16 – “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world.” Friends, when we serve, let’s check our motives. Let’s serve from our hearts and not for recognition from others.
John Wesley reminds us: “Do all the good you can for as many people as you can!”
This week's message was illustrated by the placement of a prayer shawl on the altar and the addition of the word "Service" to the Living Banners.

July Wishes

Church Family and Friends, July is a month of mobility for many families, therefore we will not have a Newsletter for the entire month.
The Church office will be closed each Friday for the month of July, as well. For church business, please contact the church office Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This writing brings with it wishes for a wonderful month of summer. Do something to make you laugh and fill your heart with joy! Take time to care for someone else’s needs and do it with cheer in your heart. Spend time with family and friends even if stretches you a little. Make the most of each day!
Thanks to our staff for their tireless work for the first half of the year! Rest, rest, and rest more because our ESL classes, Citizenship classes, Back-to-School project, “Getting Your House In Order” Seminar, Peppermint Fair, Stewardship Campaign, Thanksgiving project, Advent Adventure, and an array of Christmas Season Festivities are forthcoming.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Safe travels to all travelers and Fun! Fun! Fun for all!
Pastor Hazel