The following poem was sent by Larry Evans, Assistant to the President of the North American Division. He sent it to Ron Wisbey, who passed it along with other bits of news. Larry was also the Vice President of the Potomac Conference when I was there and it is always fun to share things of interest. This poem was written by Maya Angelo. I don’t know her, but I sure identify with her thoughts. I hope you will enjoy them as well.
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost. Now I’m found and I’m forgiven.”
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I’m not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I’m worth it.
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say ... “I am a Christian” I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s grace, somehow!
Maya Angelo
The Church Board met this week in an abbreviated session. I am happy to report that the roof fund is lacking just over $6,200. Studies are already underway regarding what our next steps in renovations and improvements should be. We then transitioned our thoughts to the results of the last Natural Church Development Survey and the direction we want to see the church going. We are pleased with so much of what we see in our worship, fellowship, and outreach, but we know we can always do better and that is what we are striving for. The main area that we kept coming back to in our discussion centered on better organization and distribution of leadership related to our Children’s Connection Groups and the development of small groups in general. Our lowest scoring areas in our last Natural Church Development survey were in functional structure, holistic small groups, and passionate spirituality. Mind you, all of these areas were significantly improved over our previous survey in 2004, but they are still areas that can be improved. We never want to fail to recognize the growth and improvements we have seen, but we also never want to quit growing and improving. This is a timely process for us as we anticipate the long overdue filling of our pastoral staff vacancy. Much of the area of equipping, training, and coaching is within that job description.
We will be interviewing John and Cristina Grys next Thursday evening. They will interview with the conference administration Wednesday afternoon. They will also be with us in church Sabbath and so I want you to all be on your best behavior and don’t tell them everything you know about me. Actually, John and I worked together in the Potomac Conference. I brought them to a church in the Richmond, VA area and I can tell you that this is an excellent couple with an abundance of gifts. John is currently directing the ministry of the Advent House on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Campus. Please pray that God’s Spirit will guide everyone involved according to what He sees is best for each.
Time speeds by so quickly. We are definitely into a Spring mode although Winter wants to still make a statement or two. The problem with time going so quickly is that I’m still sixteen sermons short of being ready for Romania. It’s probably not as bad as it sounds since the messages cover material I’ve been over so many times before, but I still have to prepare the slides and my thoughts in a way that will reach their hearts in the world where they live. I am presenting a series entitled, “What I’ve Learned Since I Met Jesus.” This will start with a personal testimony and then unfold the basic teachings of our faith and the Christian walk with each message strongly tied to a personal walk with Jesus. Please continue to pray that God will give me clear thinking so that they can hear what He wants them to hear.
I also sincerely seek your prayers as we continue our Sabbath morning series on the Holy Spirit. There is a great deal of variation and confusion in the Christian community as a whole regarding this subject. I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, but I don’t believe that anyone else outside of our church has all the answers either other than God Himself. I do not want to seek or receive false gifts. Neither do I want to miss whatever God wants to give me. Following Jesus without getting distracted by others who say they are also following Him and asking us to follow them is a freeway filled with exits. Keep your eyes on Christ alone. Wait and pray as did the disciples. Trust in the Lord and lean not toward your own understanding. God is ready to do great things in our church. The time is now, but Satan will do anything he can to confuse and divide us. The good news is that He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. Keep praying.
