Greetings from the hub of ministry for the people of First Church! Every-time I stop and think about the impact the ministries of this church in people's lives every day, I am so proud to be the pastor of First Church. There are so many people who come through our doors not only on Sunday mornings but all throughout the week. There are as many reasons people come in as there are people.
Some people come in because they are physically hungry and some because they are spiritually hungry. Some are just asking for a cold drink of water and some looking to drink from the streams of Living Water Jesus promises all who believe. Some are coming out of habit because it's what they have done their whole lives and some because something happening in their life has caused them to want to try church. Some people are here throughout the week to help others and some are here because they are overwhelmed in some area of their life and need a compassionate hand. There are so many reasons why people come through our doors!
I can remember a mission trip I took with some college students years ago to a small jungle village in the middle of Costa Rica. Our group was not particularly gifted in construction but we were there to help a pastor piece together some structures he use as sanctuaries for his different congregations. It was a hot week and despite the hard work of our team, I'm really not sure we made that great of an impact with our construction. Early in the week many of the team(and even me silently) began to wonder why we were there. Then at some point midweek, Jesus broke into our hearts and began to cause us to cast aside the expectations we came with to change the lives of everyone in this village. It's hard to say when but there was a transformation in us as we realized although we had travelled all this way to serve and make a difference, Jesus wanted to transform us and change our hearts and lives. And He did! Because we we were transformed, the impact we had in that village was increased because we opened ourselves to the work of Jesus in our hearts.
There are so many reasons we come to Church. Often times if we are honest, the reason we come is not always the best reason. Guess what! Jesus knows exactly why he's invited you into his house. Whether you are seeking to serve or to be served. Whether you came for the coffee or for the sermon. Jesus is glad you are in his place with his people.
There are many wonderful reasons to come in the doors of First Church. Make sure the next time you walk in the doors you come expecting and even inviting the transforming grace of Christ in your life. Everyone will be blessed because you do.
Grace and Peace,