Dancing too Close

“We played the flute for you and you did not dance”

Matthew 11:17

Dear Friends,

Throughout my ministry I have always thought of dancing as a metaphor for doing ministry. Sometimes I dance too close and sometimes I am dancing not close enough.

The reason I have always encouraged folks to join the church is because that gives me the right as their pastor to check on them — to show up at the hospital when they are sick — to call them when they have not been in worship for a while — and to develop a personal relationship with them beyond just pastor and church member. The challenge of course, is “how close do we dance?” I have learned some members need a lot of attention. If they miss worship for two or three weeks, they expect me to check on them. Others are almost offended if I check on them. Adding to the challenge of doing ministry today, is technology. Some folks check their e-mail every hour, others maybe only once a week or less. It seems people under 50 don’t want to talk on the phone, so don’t try calling them. And pastoral visits are still “up in the air” but I make sure I call before I visit (trusting they will answer the phone!) Being a Low-country boy, I have taken shag lessons two or three times over the years and I still can’t shag! But I keep trying. The same is true with pastoral care. I don’t always get it right, but I keep trying. In Psalm 149 the psalmist says praise the lord’s name with dancing.

Let me know when your dance card is free…

Blessings

Mike

Adult Bible Study:  This Wednesday, March 18^th is our first monthly adult studies and dinners at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall. The theme for the year is “What do Presbyterians believe?” We will meet on the third Wednesday of each month. Bring a covered dish and join us!

Water Mission Walk for Water: Please join New Wappetaw in participating in this year’s Walk for Water on March 21^st.

Wisteria Parade:  The Wisteria Parade will be held on March 28^th at 10:30 am. Gather at New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church dressed in your Spring colors and floral. Afterwards enjoy refreshments at the Pinckney Street Bandstand.

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering:  New Wappetaw will be collecting a special offering throughout March. This special offering supports Presbyterian missions for disaster relief, feeding the hungry, and self-development of people.

Easter Egg Hunt:  Children of all ages are invited to join us for the New Wappetaw Easter Egg Hunt on March 29^th. The fun will begin on the church lawn after the Palm Sunday service.

April 2:  Maundy Thursday, 6:30pm

April 5:  Easter Sunday, 10am