Spiritual Gifts June 1, 2021 “There are varieties of services…and activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:5-7) Moses murdered and stuttered. Peter was a coward. Martha was anxious. David was an adulterer. All these people, and others, were imperfect human beings. Yet, God gave them gifts – leadership, courage, hospitality - to be used for God’s purposes. These ordinary people accomplished great things for God as they used the spiritual gifts they were given. Around the area and across the country, thousands of students are graduating and will use their talents and gifts – some in service to country, some in service to others. In doing so, they will be giving a nod to the Creator who made them in God’s own image and called them good (whether they realize this or not!). They will use their gifts and talents for the common good – of their family, their community, their country. When there is a need, God raises up leaders with the necessary gifts to fulfill that need; the chosen leaders just need to be willing to answer yes when they receive that call. Recently, several people from the church have done just that – Kim Shaver and Sabrina Mutchler have answered the calls to serve as chairs of the S/PRC and Ad Council, respectively (you can read their statements elsewhere in this newsletter); two others are answering calls to join as official members; and one is discerning a pastoral call. Just as individuals are given gifts to use in service to God, some churches are given gifts as well. There are churches known for housing the homeless; feeding the hungry; teaching the children. As I reflect over the history of LIUMC, it seems to me your gift might be as a teaching congregation – you help pastors form a foundation for ministry and to discern what their calling from God is. As many of you are retired educators or have connections to local school districts, you should be able to understand the value of this gift, this spiritual gift. It is not something every church has; but it is something that should certainly be celebrated! I encourage you to do the homework Bob Van Gorder gave during his sermon on May 16 – read 1 Corinthians 12. Then pray for discernment – to recognize and use the spiritual gifts God has given you through the Holy Spirit. Your gift might be to recognize the gifts in others and encourage them. Your gift might be as a mighty prayer warrior. Whatever your gift is, don’t be afraid to use it for the common good, for we are all “the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
God’s Blessings, Pastor Laura
PS. My apologies for the delay in the newsletter. I have had a serious case of Writers Block.