Mold Me and Make Me

“Your hands shaped me and made me…

Remember that you molded me like clay…” Job 10:8-9

Dear Friends,

Our sermon yesterday was from Jeremiah about the Potter’s house. Now that the children are staying in worship on the first Sunday of the month so they can participate in the communion service, I try to think of what they might experience on these special Sundays when they don’t go to children’s church. Yesterday we had Hank Bruner, one of our confirmands serve as the liturgist. Our opening “hymn” was “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” (that was a surprise to everyone, children and adults) and each person received a lump of clay as they entered the sanctuary. I thought the clay might keep the children’s attention during the sermon (which I try to keep short on communion Sundays!). But much to my surprise it was the adults who, on their way out, showed me all the unique formations they had made out of the clay during the service… HMM…maybe they too need something to keep their attention!

I know as preachers we aren’t supposed to be “entertaining” our congregations and I remember having a preaching professor who didn’t want ANYTHING to distract from the sermon, but I also realize that cell phones have conditioned us to always be looking for something to engage us. We can’t seem to just sit and BE…

When I get bored and I’m just sitting doing nothing, I always remember Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” It is ok to be still. But on Sunday mornings, maybe I‘ll leave some clay in the narthex just in case…

Have a blessed week,

Mike

Upcoming opportunities:

• Men’s Dinner at the church, Wednesday, September 10 at 6:00pm
• ECCO grocery bags due Sunday, September 21
• Next Sunday, September 14 is tailgating after worship. Wear your team colors and bring your tailgating food.
• Presbytery Meeting, Saturday September 20, at the Westminster church in West Ashley
• Sunday September 21, refreshments on the lawn after worship