[pullquote style=”left”]For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, than serve; if it is teaching then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8[/pullquote]
Together we are the body of Christ. God has brought each of us to Aldersgate for a purpose — to grow in relationship with God who is continually transforming our lives so that we might become more and more like Christ, and that we might live out God’s plan in our lives to serve Christ with joy. If one is hurting, the whole body hurts, just like when you stub your toe, your stomach often hurts. If one is absent or not doing his/her part, the whole body is less than it can be, just as when you break an ankle, you end up stumbling along. God has uniquely gifted each one of us for ministry in Christ’s name both in the church and in the community.
Think about your ministry. If you are serving as God calls you to serve, thanks be to God. If you aren’t serving much, is God calling you to work in a certain ministry? Check the bulletin for opportunities. Look at the “Ministry Map” in the Gathering Place. It shows many ways people are serving in our community and beyond. It might give you an idea of how Christ wants you to serve. If you think that God is calling you to some new or existing ministry in the church or in the community, let me know. I’ll do what I can to help you get started or get connected with people who can help you, so that you will more fully know the joy of serving Christ and bring greater joy to the body of Christ.
The following is a prayer, the Heidelberg Catechism: “Our only God and Father; I’m tempted to make the church a consumer thing, to think of it as a vendor of spiritual goods and religious services that keeps me happy and satisfied. Remind me that I share in Jesus through this body, the church, a covenant community where I have obligations to others. Make me ready to serve others for the joy of Jesus. Amen.”
In joyful service to Christ,
