Pastors Pen Reflection

"Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day: - I shall not fear anyone on Earth.  - I shall fear only God. - I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. - I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. - I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering"

 Dear <<Name>>
     I would like to thank the members and friends who attended worship this week and stayed for our annual congregational meeting. We elected 3 board members, passed the budget and accepted all the ministry reports. It is because of your faithfulness that we are able to accomplish so much. I must say I am thankful to you as we strive to make Valley Ministries a powerful and generous congregation.
 
I am thankful for the ministry that often happens behind the scenes. Ministry like attending monthly board meetings, packing backpacks, and even cleaning the church. I am thankful for the commitment of the board members because we work hard to plan, review and make sure details are being taken care of in a timely manner.  I am thankful, of course, for every ministry and team leader. I believe we strive to be successful in every ministry as we do what we do for God. I would like to invite others to join us in the ongoing business of making a positive and generous community of faith. You can do that by being of service.
 
In my report to the congregation I have asked for people to step up to do something! We have many opportunities, from short term things to longer commitments. In the short term I am looking for a team leader to head up our Easter giving program. This ministry is about organizing and collecting items to be given away. In the past we’ve collected baskets or bags and filled them with goodies. Is there someone who is willing to take on this ministry? See me or email me at revtlm@vmmcc.org.
 
We often forget how empowering it is when we serve others. There is often untold value in the ministry of serving.  The blessings of being of service often far outweigh the time or the talents we have shared. It is a choice to bring your gifts and I do hope that we can count on you to stand up and be counted. You can be assured you will be a channel of God’s grace each time you lift your life to be of service. Leaders of faith are not given any special anointing from above but are given the opportunity to grow inch by inch, choice by choice, with acts of love and service. 
I would like to also invite you to take a look at a ministry training opportunity called the LEAD program. This program is being offered by MCC and sponsored by MCC Austin. Please check out the link below and let me know if you are interested.
 
     http://ofld.mccchurch.org/programs-what-we-do/l-e-a-d-program-plan/
  
Ministry is about sharing our gifts … by doing so we become stronger together!
Blessings Rev Terri