Front and Centre
What an exciting week we have ahead. School has resumed and so this Sunday we have our Kickstart which sees the launch of our children and youth activities for the year. Combined with that will be the commissioning of all of our ministry leaders and volunteers. As the year begins we will be commissioning our elders and Church Council members, and the various leaders and volunteers in our groups and ministries. It is our belief that we do not do this in our own strength but rather that is about being called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Therefore the commissioning includes time to pray, asking for God’s blessing. As I think about Sunday I am again amazed at the amount of talent and commitment that people have and are prepared to contribute to make Emmanuel the community that it is. Paul refers to the body of Christ (1 Cor 12) and reminds us that every member of the body is important and has a role to play. If you haven’t found your opportunity yet please think about how you would like to be involved. What are the skills and gifts that you bring and how would you like to offer them. If you aren’t sure or you want to volunteer please talk to one of the ministry team. As a church we believe in every member ministry, and that God has a calling on everyone. Part of our role as a ministry team is to facilitate people’s engagement and involvement. My hope and prayer is that everyone feels 1. Connected and 2. Fulfilled as we move into 2021. As a part of our commissioning and commitment service we will be invited to share the words of John Wesley’s covenant prayer. I leave you with those words to reflect upon:
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you or laid aside for you;
exalted for you or brought low for you;
let me be full, let me be empty;
let me have all things, let me have nothing;
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours, to the glory and praise of your name. Amen.
Blessings,
Brian
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