About 20 years ago, my nephew Kempy, who was 7 years old at the time, fell and cut his lip.  We took him to a doctor for some stitches and I was asked to help simply by holding Kempy's hand, keeping him as still as possible while the doctor stitched him up, and reassuring him that all would be well.  Well, despite my very best intentions, I nearly passed out in the process.  The doctor dismissed me from my duties and quickly called my mother to do what I could not.  As you can imagine, my mother and the rest of my family has kidded me mercilessly ever since.  "Remember the time...?"  Always followed by uproarious laughter.  Yes mom, I remember.

 

Clearly my gifts do not include those associated with medical procedures!  But the Bible is clear that every Christian has been endowed by the Holy Spirit with precious gifts which are "for the common good"-vital to the building of the Body of Christ, the church.  It's only when each person is fully using his or her gifts that the church can become all that God intends.  I'm glad to report that many at St. Paul's are already using their gifts, so the ministry of the Gospel can continue to grow and flourish. 

 

But perhaps you're reading this and wondering, "Is there something more that I can do?"  Given the fact that the Flamevine Church will open its doors in mid-October, I can say without reservation that we need your help, and there's a job which fits your God-given gifts.  The Flamevine Opening Committee continues to work diligently to find people who can serve as greeters, Sunday School teachers, parking attendants, ushers, coffee hour volunteers, etc., and etc.  Every member of St. Paul's is absolutely vital.  We need you.  And if you are squeamish like I am, we promise not to put you in charge of first aid!

Thank you for joining us in this Great Adventure!

 

Gratefully in Christ,

 

Pr. Jon