Where has time gone? To me it seems like only yesterday we were ringing in the New Year with traditional festivities. For some, their minds and hearts were filled with excitement in anticipation of saying “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new. Where has time gone? In the blink of an eye we are prepared to say goodbye to August. Anticipation of change once again fills the air around us. I have noticed people seem to have a new bounce in their step as they look forward to the upcoming changes. The days are growing shorter and eventually cooler. Trees will clothe themselves with color variations of gold and red leaves. It is about time for the annual migration of birds and people from our country’s northern region as they set their sights on the warmer climate of the south. The tourist season is about over, much to the anticipation of many local residents. Labor Day weekend is around the corner with plans being made to celebrate the “end” of summer although summer is not officially over until September 21. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the holy grail of southern tradition in the fall. Hank Williams, Jr. said it best in a song, “Are you ready for some football. Are you ready for a party”?
Anticipation of change is present at the Church of the Palms. Sunday school returns along with other familiar activities such as the fall bazaar. An “old friend” returns as we anticipate the formation of small groups. Fellowship, study, and prayer will bring about ways to reconnect with each other. Many opportunities for Bible studies independent of small groups will present themselves as a way to satisfy a hunger burning deep within our souls. A new journey will begin by some of our youth as they anticipate the beginning of confirmation classes. We are even exploring the possibilities of a week day prayer service as a way to nourish our spiritual hunger. Yes, anticipation fills the air with an unbridled excitement.
Looking at the opportunities before us I have noticed a commonality in all of the events. Each event offers a way to grow a deeper faith through studying God’s word and loving relationships with each other. Two thoughts immediately come to mind. First, upon completing the testing part of my psychological evaluation (required for those exploring ordained ministry in the UMC) came the exit interview. The person responsible for the administration of the test and interview was Rev. John Holler. He gave me some advice that still resonates within me today. He said pastors tend to experience burnout when they try to go it alone. He urged me to stay connected to God by nourishing my spiritual life through prayer, study, and fellowship. The second thought came during a continuing education event for clergy which was led by Rev. Dr. Michael Wolfe in the Greenville District. Rev. Wolfe serves as a mentor for candidates exploring a calling into ordained ministry. He has a sting 168 inches long hanging in his study with one inch blacked out. This is representative of a week. Each week has 168 hours and the average person dedicates approximately 1 hour during the week to their spiritual life. This limits the chances for growing a deeper faith in Christ.
Staying connected with God and spiritual growth are a part of the upcoming events anticipated at the Church of the Palms. We struggle when we try to go it alone on our faith journey. There is strength in numbers. We find peace and comfort through the love of God expressed in our relationships. Do you realize that spiritual growth is more likely to occur through Bible study and Sunday school, rather than a 15-20 minute sermon? I see church growth in two ways, physical and spiritual. If we seek to grow the church numerically without Jesus Christ as its foundation we may experience a limited success in the short term but eventually the numbers will dwindle. If we seek to grow the church through spiritual nourishment the chances of increasing the numerical size of the church are greater. If we begin with ourselves first we see how our biblical witness to others is influenced. Seeking God’s kingdom allows us to offer a community longing to fill some kind of void in their life. I, for one, am excited about the upcoming events and look forward to growing in my faith as we sit side by side with each other.
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