Grace, Gratitude and Growth

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with GRATITUDE in your hearts to God.                                                          Colossians 3:16

Dear Friends,

As I write this it appears the possible hurricane headed for Charleston has changed its course and is now heading out to the ocean. I am so grateful we don’t have the threat of hurricane damage hanging over our heads. I think we can deal with the rain.

In yesterday’s sermon about the rich man and poor Lazarus the message was how do WE deal with the “poor” today. There are many responses but one way I respond is to offer a prayer of gratitude that I am not in that situation of need… “ there by the grace of God go I.”

In my last church I wanted a tagline, something we could use on our bulletin and correspondence that would somehow define our ministry and I came up with “God’s Grace, My Gratitude, Our Growth.” In our Reformed tradition we begin with God, so it seemed appropriate to put the focus on God’s grace not our works. I am grateful for so many things, especially the opportunity I have had to be a leader in the church. Every day when I get in my car to head out I say, “this is the day the Lord has made, let me be glad and rejoice in it.” Of course every day does not go the way I had hoped and there are always challenges, but I am grateful for so many things. I chose the word growth because I believe growing the church has been my calling as a pastor. Here at New Wappetaw our sanctuary is filling up and it is true that I keep records of attendance, but to me more numbers mean more lives transformed. Jesus said “go and make disciples…” I am grateful we have the opportunity to do that!

So look outside today and see the rain, and then offer a prayer of gratitude for all the blessings you experience today and every day!

It’s a joy to be your pastor.

Mike

Next Sunday October 5th… World Communion Sunday