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“Making a mountain out of a molehill.” “Missing the forest for the trees.” We have lots of expressions like these that describe the problem of misjudging the importance or scope of a problem. Pastor Marion speaks to this issue today, reminding us of what Christians should be prioritizing.
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Stop me if you have heard this one …….
There was a preacher of a large church. He stood up and said, “There are three points to my message today.” While people looked at him blankly, as they did every week, the preacher continued. “First point: Two billion people are starving to death in the world.” Again, people looked un-enthusiastic. “My second point,” the preacher continued…. At this point, people actually perked up, as if they were surprised. No other preacher had made a point so quickly. “My second point is that you don’t give a damn. My third point is that the real tragedy is you are more worried that I said ‘damn’ than you are that people are actually starving.”
We have all heard a version of that story, the point being that what is most offensive to people is not the struggle, pain, or need of others.
There are “help wanted” signs everywhere. From restaurants to grocery stores, from non-profits to for profits, to agencies of transportation to agencies of employment, the sign is the same.
At times it may feel as if your clergy are repeating those words over and over again. It is because we are. Because yes, there is always a SignUpGenius, always an opportunity, always a need; however, that has been the job requirement for Christians for thousands of years.
Luke 4 says that Jesus was “anointed to bring good news to the poor…to proclaim release to the captives…recovery of sight to the blind…to let the oppressed go free, and proclaim this is the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Until people have the food they need, the job that fulfills, the education that empowers, and the voice that is equal, help is still needed.
In a time when it is so easy to see the lack of what we expect, shelves being empty, not enough staff, not enough fill in the blank, maybe we begin to work on that job of the church—giving what we have in surplus: patience, compassion, empathy, love, and time.
History is being made and a new culture is being shaped. May we accept the real position before us: applying ourselves and working so that at the end, we repeat the same words of Jesus, “the scripture has been fulfilled” (Luke 4:21).
Blessings,
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Thank you, Marion, for helping us recenter the work that is truly important. Blessings on your week!
Take Peace,
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Job Networking
Job Networking will meet on the RUMC campus on Monday, January 24 starting at 3 p.m. with five workshop offerings, dinner, and resume review. For the full agenda and registration, visit our website.
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RUMCK Kindergarten Open House
Amy Wolverton is leading a Zoom meeting on Monday, January 24 at 7 p.m. to share about the RUMCK kindergarten class and curriculum. Join Zoom meeting here. Meeting ID: 777 9988 8249 Passcode: Pp9H81
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Affordable Meals To-Go
Affordable Meals To-Go are available for pick-up on Tuesday and Thursday from 12-2 p.m. outside the Fellowship Hall, Chapel building. For more information, go to our website or contact Jacob Crane.
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Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday Night Supper is back on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall! Pre-orders are accepted online to pay by credit; pay by cash or check at the door. For more information, go to our website or contact Jacob Crane.
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Harry L. Hall Scholarships
The Harry L. Hall Scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors who are Roswell UMC members and will be enrolling in a college or university for the upcoming fall semester; additional funds are available if attending a United Methodist college in Georgia. Application deadline is February 1, 2022. For more information, go to the Foundation website.
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AYL 2022
AYL is an in-house worship conference hosted by Roswell Student Ministry and is the biggest event of the year. The dates for 2022 are February 4-6. We are asking everyone to consider how they will serve as we pour into the life of the next generation. For more information, go to our website or contact Jason Scott.
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Family Promise
Family Promise is returning soon to RUMC! Two families will be staying with us from January 23-30, and we need your support! Please consider volunteering to provide meals, make purchases, host overnight, or much more. For more information or to volunteer, go to our website.
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Noah's Ark
Volunteers are needed to assist in Noah’s Ark, Roswell UMC’s class for developmentally disabled adults, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Duties involve helping with refreshments, singing songs, and possibly reading a Bible story and asking questions from prepared lessons. For more information or to volunteer, email Marsha Kennedy or call 770.861.1564
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Sunday Volunteers
The Sunday Morning Volunteer Team is looking for new members to serve as Welcome and Door Hosts for both Sanctuary services. No long-term commitment needed. Schedule is done weekly with those available to serve that week. For more information, contact JoAn Hobbs or call 770.261.1731.
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Vickery Mill Elementary School
Vickery Mill Elementary School is looking for “room friends” who can volunteer to support their classes with tasks like laminating, copying, filing, reading to children, organizing the classroom libraries, reviewing flash cards, helping with parties, or even chaperoning field trips (whatever you feel comfortable doing). If you’re interested in helping out once or twice a month, please reach out to Gilma Cantu for more information.
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My Neighbor's Pantry
My Neighbor's Pantry will resume the first Monday of each month beginning Monday, February 7, providing our neighbors with fresh produce, protein, laundry detergent, and more! Volunteers will be needed for a variety of roles. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to be added to the My Neighbor’s Pantry email list for updates and additional information, contact Scotty Brewington.
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