A music professor once said to me, “Don’t confuse activity for accomplishment.” That is surely true of practicing and of life. There are times we seem to be busy for the sake of being busy. Yet, we are never sure if we are accomplishing anything. The church is not immune from this behavior. And without a doubt there are times when a church could be having too much activity without accomplishing their calling in worship and ministry. Looking at our church calendar for the coming months…indeed! it is full. However, in my opinion, it is full of activities that will help us grow in our faith, both as individuals and as the body of Christ.
Consider how these activities help us individually and collectively:
- Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.—We gather for prayer. We also heard devotionals presented by Joe Turnham, based on his book, Leading from our Knees.
- Each Sunday morning at 9:45 —We gather for Bible Study.
- Each Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. —We gather for Discipleship Training (learning to be better parents, or learning from great theologians).
- March 3rd —Our Youth will lead us in worship on our annual YOUTH SUNDAY. All ministries derive from worship. And how thrilling it is when we are led by such a faithful and talented group of our own young people.
- March 10th—Fisher Humphreys begins his ministry with us as co-interim preacher. A world class Bible scholar and theologian, Fisher will lead us through the remainder of Lent to the celebration of Palm Sunday and finally to the day of days: EASTER!
- March 28, 6:00 p.m.—Maundy Thursday. We gather around our tables, as the disciples did in that upper room, to observe the Lord’s Supper.
- March 29th, 6:30 p.m.—Good Friday Service led by our Sanctuary Choir. Can the joy of Easter be complete without knowing the despair of the Cross?
- March 31st- EASTER!—Sermon by Fisher Humphreys and music selections from Handel’s Messiah.
- April 14th—GMO Sunday with special musical guest, Kate Campbell.
- April 21st—Annual College Sunday. We worship together, led by the church’s leaders of tomorrow.
- April 28th, 6:15 p.m.—Choir Recognition Service followed by Favorite Dessert Fellowship.
And I cannot write “Looking Ahead” without remembering our pledge to keep the Pastor Selection Committee in our thoughts and prayers.
Yes, the professor was right… Sometimes activities do not equate accomplishment. But, sometimes, activities—when done properly and with our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection—can accomplish great things for the Kingdom.
Please join me in looking ahead while living, learning, and serving in the present.