I had planned on writing my blog about ice cream and its many flavors and consistencies, but God had other plans.
Over the last couple of Sundays, I have read and listened to the scripture readings, heard the children’s message from Pastor Lowell and Angie, and absorbed the messages from Pastors Lowell and Joan. What I read and heard drew me to a memory.
Many years ago, I received a gift for my confirmation. It was a necklace with a small mustard seed encased in a pendant. I looked for it today but unfortunately couldn’t find it – after 50+ years it is only a memory now. But what I do remember is the following verse:
Jesus said to his disciples “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17: 20-21
That mustard seed is a reminder of the strength of one’s faith. I think that faith comes to us in three parts: to hear the word of God, to believe in what we hear, and to follow the word of God as God uses it to do holy work here on earth.
Just as the biblical heroes we learned about in Sunday School (like Noah, Abraham, Joshua, and Rahab in the Old Testament and Mary & Joseph, John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul in the New Testament) heard God’s direction, trusted/believed in God’s direction, and followed that direction – then that is what it means to have faith.
We all have our “cloud of witnesses” (thank you Pastor Joan for that powerful language) that have helped us nurture our faith and lead us along the paths to stronger faith. Our parents, our Sunday School teachers, our VBS leaders, our pastors, and our peers as we struggled together. We have them today – look around you in the gathering space, in the sanctuary, in the fellowship hall, and in the various ministries Lord of Life offers for us to join, participate in, and lead.
Each of us has a call to share our faith journey with others. There are so many opportunities to step into here at Lord of Life. Gather the 3 & 4 year-olds during Sunday School and tell them the story of Noah or teach them a simple song that they can share. Spend a Sunday morning with the youth (elementary, junior high, and senior high) as they begin/continue on their journey of faith.
Be a greeter for the visitors that join us on Sunday morning. Help with communion or usher if you attend worship in person. Join one of our ministry teams – Evangelism, Stewardship, Outreach, Worship, Fellowship, Youth Education, Adult Education, and Care – these are ways to grow your faith.
You are gifted for ministry and your unique talents are essential to God’s plans. Listen to that voice telling you that you are special and you have something special to share and offer to others.
Yours in Christ,
Denise Krallman, Council President