Parting Words of Wisdom
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Today is a bittersweet day in our church. We welcome a new associate pastor with open arms. But we also mourn that our beloved associate pastor Meghan Kelley begins today in a new church, sharing her inspirational sermons with another congregation.
In her last sermon to our New Connection congregation, she gave us some wonderful parting advice. Simple suggestions really. But also to the point. She has that knack for cutting through all the flowery words and really getting to the heart of things.
Pastor Meghan reminded us that church isn’t a spectator sport. That probably shocked more than a few people. Others probably decided that showing up on Sunday mornings and singing along with the band constitutes participation. I don’t think that’s what she meant.
We’ve often heard that 20/80 statistic: Twenty percent of the congregation does 80 percent of the work. Look around. You’ll almost certainly see the truth in that. God didn’t plan it that way. He gave each and every one of us gifts to use and share with others. It’s just that 80 percent have chosen not to share.
Pastor Meghan reminded us not to complain about things in the church unless we are willing to work to make changes. Isn’t it funny? It always seems that the biggest complainers are the ones who do the least amount of work.
Pastor Meghan also reminded us to be faithful to tithe. God clearly said to give 10 percent back to Him. God didn’t say to do it if we had extra or thought we could afford it. He said to do it -- and He would bless us greatly. We can’t out give God, you know.
We are to extend hospitality and acceptance to all people -- even if that means sitting next to a homeless person who hasn’t had a bath in a while. We’re to show God’s love to those who are new to us just as we show love to those we’ve known a while. We are to welcome strangers and include them so that they are no longer strangers but friends and family.
If you’ve got an issue with a particular person, take your complaint directly to that person. Pastor Meghan reminded us that gossip and complaints done behind someone’s back cause more conflict and ill will and don’t resolve anything.
And lastly, she told us not to define ourselves by the style of the worship service we attend but rather by the service and worship we offer up to Him. Place your trust in God, she said, because you are a people of faith and hope.
God bless you, Meghan Kelley, for the love and inspiration you have shown and given to us these last two years. May you continue to walk in His love and strength as you share God’s Word with others.
