Beloved in Christ,
The New Year has begun, and with the new beginning, goals are being set for improving life. For many, the goals have to do with exercise and a healthy diet; ways in which to live a fuller, more active physical life. Committed to an improved life, an individual can make real, visible changes which will lead to greater health and well-being. New Year’s resolutions frequently focus on the physical, and what we can do to make life better. But what about the spirit? Why do we so easily ignore that which has eternal significance?
As physical exercise and healthy eating improve the body; exercising and nurturing mind and spirit can improve our spiritual well-being. Like physical exercise, it takes a commitment. It takes time. We realize this with the health which can be measured by blood tests and monitors; why are we so reluctant to acknowledge our need for that which is immeasurable?
With the New Year, members of our Delhi and Buck Creek congregations are making commitments to exercise and nurture their minds and their souls. What kinds of exercise are we doing? Worship is one form of nurture. Prayer is another vital practice for healthy spiritual life. In 2011, we’re focusing on the written Word of God, journeying from Genesis through Revelation together. This is not an exercise in memorization, nor is it about the details of Scripture. It is a walk with the Holy God; a walk among the generations of faithful people from whom our heritage has come. It is about walking with the Holy Spirit, so as to more fully come to know Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Another spiritual exercise is that of giving. This year, we’ll be receiving collections to buy an Ark for Heifer Project International, which provides productive animals to individuals and families in more than 50 countries. While we’ve already begun receiving funds toward the $5000 goal, we’ll celebrate the beginning of the New Year with a focus on the mission in which we are engaging. John Brockshink, our Iowa Conference representative for the Heifer Project, will bring us news of the international mission during worship on January 2nd.
What’s in an Ark? I’m glad you asked! Our $5000 will purchase a variety of animals, to be given to people around the world. Many within the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, receive the animals. The gift of animals calls for a commitment on the part of the receiver, to share what the animal produces; as well as to give offspring to others in need.
The Ark includes two each of: cows, sheep, camels, oxen, water buffalo, pigs, beehives, goats, donkeys, and llamas; as well as two trios of ducks, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and two flocks of geese and chickens.
As we receive communion that first Sunday of 2011, we’ll praise God for new beginnings; and more fully open and commit our hearts to the presence of the Holy God. I pray that each of us will prayerfully ask our Lord to guide us, and to bless our reading, our giving, and all the exercises of our faith, throughout this year and always. May our spirits grow more strong and healthy, that we may be more fit for life in the Kingdom of God, “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Happy New Year!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Lorraine
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO BE PART OF THE GRAND SWEEP!
The Grand Sweep is about to begin, and it’s not too late to be part of it! You are, of course, able to read the Bible with only the Holy Spirit as your guide. Lists of Scripture readings for each day are available in your church. If you wish to have the accompanying tools, you may still order books; please contact Pastor Lorraine; or they can be ordered online or with a phone call at Cokesbury, Amazon, etc. The two optional books are The Grand Sweep: 365 Days From Genesis Through Revelation, which contains background information and words to get you thinking; and The Grand Sweep: Daily Response Book, which includes reflection questions, and places to write your responses.