Candice's Comments

At the recent All-Church Retreat, four foci were identified that we as a congregation need to address as we engage in ministry in the 21st century:
*Identity - What is the church to do and be?
*Spiritual Disciplines
*Expectations (Pastor and Congregation)
*Communications

The Church Board decided to begin by looking at Communications:
-What is the message to be communicated? What forms of communication did Jesus use?
-How do we get information out to others? Who provides the communication?
-Is it received in a timely and useable manner? Does technology help or hinder communication?

These questions and many others will be addressed as we explore how to better communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to others. We must be clear about the message we wish to share.

Jesus often used parables to communicate important messages. He told the story of the child who messed up big time but yet was received and welcomed home by a loving parent (The Prodigal Son). He told about a man beaten and left for dead with no one to help him but an outsider who risked his own life to help (The Good Samaritan). There were stories of coins lost and talents given and wages paid. Jesus used stories about everyday happenings to help people understand his message. Jesus communicated by meeting people where they were.

Each day of our lives we communicate through our words and actions. Do our eyes convey love and acceptance? Do our lips speak of love and joy in serving Christ and honor those around us? Do our actions show welcome and understanding?

Once when William was a little boy, he said, "Mom, why are you mad?"

I replied, "I'm not mad."

He said, "Then why do you have a bad face."

His words made me aware of the negative image I was communicating through the look on my face. It was not what I wanted to communicate. Sometimes we need someone to call our attention to the fact that we are not communicating welcome and love and acceptance.

Take a look in the mirror. What do you see? Listen to your words. What do you hear?

We are the body of Christ. We are the hands and voice of Christ. May the message we communicate be one where all are welcome and loved and appreciated, as we live out our Mission Statement:

As part of the family of God, we will be a positive enthusiastic force,
committed to ministering with love and support to all persons,
reflecting God's love as revealed through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Blessings,
Candice