Is Something On Fire?

Yes, I watched the Indians end their season in the American League Championship Series. As frustrating as that was, I can still remember the days in Cleveland Municipal Stadium when there were so few people there that it was almost embarrassing to yell anything because the players could actually hear your voice.

I’m also old enough to remember (and I imagine a few others in our congregation are also) the days when both the Cuyahoga River and former Cleveland mayor Ralph Perk’s hair caught on fire, and later when the city of Cleveland actually went into default. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the country is still associating these events with Cleveland, and they’re just beginning to wake up to the fact that we’ve come a long way.

Now take a look at our church. We’ve been through a few rough times also, and there are others who still look at us in those terms. Through it all though, we’ve remained faithful. I hope that our members realize what an amazing time it is to be a part of this church—the Lord’s church.

Think just for a moment about the many ways we’re blessed. I’ll name just a few:

• First of all, I don’t know if you realize this, but it’s the first time since I’ve been a member that we actually are in position to pay all of our apportionments. That is truly remarkable to go from nearly 0% a few years ago to 100%. That’s stewardship.
  
• Think about the mission and service that the UMW provides year after year.
  
• Have you noticed the appearance of the sanctuary and building, thanks to Jim, the trustees, and other volunteers?
  
• We’ve got new programs underway, with two adult bible studies – one continuing on Monday nights and one on Tuesday morning.
  
• Children’s sermons are back!
  
• The Membership and Evangelism Team has been resurrected, and we’re looking for others to help-- maybe you? Do you have ideas that you’d like to share?
  
• We’re looking for ways to have more of a presence in the neighborhood and community, and we’ll be investigating ways to secure some grants.
  
• We even have a presence now on the Internet, with the church’s website and this blog. Would you would like share some inspirational words on the blog? You don’t need to know anything about computers-- just write something down, get it to me and I’ll do it for you.
  
• We’re certainly blessed by our more-than-fulltime pastor who is working for a half-time salary. We need to always realize and respect this, make sure not to burn her out-- and just take some time to thank her.

Folks, the river’s not on fire here anymore, but the Holy Spirit is on fire!