Message from the Pastor
July 2006

Joys and Challenges of Ministry

by Rev. Dianna Horton

There are no joys like ministry. Synod Assembly reminds us of all that Lutherans do in the world. The people we feed and the comfort and strength that we bring to the whole world by spreading the word of God, using our talents and resources. Sometimes it is hard to think that our small contributions can accomplish so much. This years focus of Global Mission at Synod Assembly made us all aware of just how much we can accomplish when we pool our talents and resources.

What we have done closer to home becomes obvious as we listen to Jan Tobias with the Lutheran Disaster Relief Organization. Offering a week of our time to help with clean up or rebuilding seems like such a small offering of our time. Some groups have gone before us though. Actually several groups have paved the way in starting the rebuilding. I am thrilled to a part of such a grand organization that helps people, God’s children, across the miles. It warms my heart to know that if we here at St. Jacob’s have an unfortunate occurrence they would all be there for us as well.

I find joy in observing the growing activities that the people of St. Jacob’s have decided to do, activities in helping their sisters and brothers in our Congregation. I find joy that people offer rides to those who can not drive or do not have a car. I find joy in the food that we collect to help those who would otherwise go hungry. I find joy in those who are concerned about our space of worship, giving their time and money to make sure we can continue to hear the Word of God here.

I am thrilled that the people of St. Jacob’s are willing to undergo small changes to encourage interest of outsiders, youth, or even those in our on midst that grow board with too much consistency. I am filled with gladness when members are truly witnessing and inviting. I am delighted to see people devote time to do ministry in a world that is so busy, too busy for God.

I am concerned that not everyone sees the joy of taking time to give back to God all the pleasure that He has given us. I am concerned that some can not even give an hour a week to praise God and give thanks for all that they have been given. I wonder about the survival of St. Jacob’s in the face of the apathy and lack of priority of God in the lives of some. We do not even make God a priority in the lives of our children. Sports, friends, and sleeping in are considered much more important.

I am both relieved and concerned to know that this is not just a trend at St. Jacob’s but everywhere in the valley and throughout our country. It amazes me that the larger churches are continuing to grow and the smaller churches are shrinking just like our rural areas are shrinking. Soon there will be only the larger churches left. I so love the closeness of the rural church. I do not like not knowing the person I sit next to in the pew. I am concerned about how much help can we be to our neighbor if we do not even know them well enough to know what their needs are. I am concerned that the focus is to stay at home, self absorbed, watching the TV evangelist. Don’t people know that church is about the community? Don’t people know that if they do not show up for church that they are cheating their neighbor of that community?

Church is not about entertainment, fulfilling my needs, or even making me look good by worshiping. Church is about praising God, thanking God, and building a relationship with God by giving back. I am concerned in the apathy that prevents us from doing that.

None of us are Mahama Ghandi or Mother Theresa. Most of us are not even close. It concerns me even more that we do not even see the need to try to be like them. With all that we are given shouldn’t we at least see the need to make the effort?

My heart is filled with elated joy to see those that are regularly attending worship, praising God, and steeped in prayer for the needs of others. I am gladdened at the increase number of people that are putting God first and caring about the survival of St. Jacob’s. They are regular in attending the business meetings necessary to maintain a church. More importantly I am amazed at those who continue to make God a priority in the ministry they do; teaching our young, assisting with worship, cleaning and maintenance of the building, singing and playing music, and communications to just name a few.

I am pleased in my heart that our attendance and giving have improved over the last year but I am wonder if everyone is aware of what it takes to have one Sunday’s worship. The scripture has to be read and studied, a sermon written, the hymns chosen, the music practiced, the building maintained and cleaned, teachers studying the lessons, ushers chosen, lectors chosen, the scripture reading practiced, acolytes and crucifers chosen and encouraged to participate, the bulletin typed, printed, picked up from the printer, delivered to the church, folded and passed out, the building opened, temperature regulated, sidewalks cleaned, lights turned on, hymn numbers placed on the board, classes prepared, copies made, visuals made, participants present and so many more things. What would happen if these people get too tired or just need a break?

I am thrilled that more and more people are asking themselves and listening to God’s call questioning if showing up and sitting in the pews is enough to say thank you for all that God does for us, questioning if that is enough to praise our wonderful creator, and volunteering to do things to make worship and ministry happen. I pray that it continues or one day we will wake up and there will be no more church.

Peace,
Pastor Dianna Horton

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