For the past few months I have been quite aware of God nudging me toward a ministry at the church I attend. I would hear the announcements, and see that there was a need for church council members. I doubted my ability…. what would I bring to the table, would they even listen to me, am I good enough? Fast forward to this morning....It is January in Michigan, which translates to BRRRRRRR. Pretty much all winter my preference would be to stay inside where it is warm and toasty. I almost didnt go to church today....mainly because I was cold and feeling lazy. I enjoy going to church. I love seeing the familiar faces of the parishioners, learning about my Faith, hearing the sermon, prayer in general, and fellowship by way of our pretty awesome coffee hour after service.
I attend a small church called St. James in Casco, Michigan nestled in a small community where roots run deep, you may come a stranger but you will leave a friend. Here you will find wonderful salt of the earth, humble folks. A small but mighty and generous congregation. My Great Grandparents attended this church. I attended Vacation Bible school in the summer at this church as a kid. I was married at this church, three of my children , and my husband were baptized at this church, my fourth child will be baptized there in a few months. It is a place I am very much at home. I havent always attended here, we moved a little ways away when our older kids were little, and attended a wonderful church closer to our home. When we moved back to the area I grew up, my Dad started putting the bug in my ear about coming back to church at St. James....I was a little resistant initially because I was attending a larger more modern church, and I did enjoy it there as well. It was similar to the church we had attended before we moved. I worked every other weekend, and my Dad would ask if he could come pick up the kids, and take them to church with him....Well of course, I said Yes. My Dad and my youngest would be off every Sunday for 9am service, and generally they would go out to breakfast or go visiting family after church. I would try to attend on the weekends I wasnt working. My work schedule changed, and I am now able to attend services more, so I do.
Faith has been something I have felt strongly since I was very young. I was raised Catholic, and did attend Catholic school in elementary, and cacthecism until I was in my teens. Although I had trouble identifying with being Catholic, I felt what was later explained to me as "The Holy Spirit" from a very young age. I attended church with my friends growing up from time to time, and have been to many different churchs. I love learning about different religions. Having a relationship with God has been a huge cornerstone in my life. I have been through some trying times through out my life and the only thing that really got me through was my Faith. Thankfully God placed some very special people in my life over the years from the time I was young, and to this day he continues to do so. If I was asked to describe what my Faith means to me, I would say my Faith is based on a relationship, not a "Religion".
So what is all this about anyway...Is there a point?
Yes actually, there are several things on my mind, so I decided to pick up my old Blog, dust it off, and start using it again. I look at my small congregation, and I see the same faces I saw as a kid, faithful servants indeed! I have questions though....where is my generation? Im 40 something, I have some grown children, and some younger children. Im still seeking my Lord, Im still teaching my children about their Faith, and while I agree that one does not need to attend church (which is essentially a building) to have Faith or worship God, I believe the fellowship you partake in as being a part of church is so important, individually, and collectively as a group/community.
So now I am on a Mission! Im excited to say I took the leap, pushed my doubt aside, and committed to being a part of our church council. Im so excited! Im excited for Spiritual growth, and Im hopeful that I will be able to serve God by being able to develop some of the things HE has put on my heart and in my mind for some time now, including Outreach!
This is just the beginning! I feel like God has brought me to this place for a reason. Although I cant quite verbalize what he wants me to do, I know what HE is expecting of me....does that make any sense!? Im not sure if it does to you, but I can feel HIM leading me. I know by committing today, it was for HIS glory and all in perfect timing. I am not sure of all the details, or how they will be executed, but I do know this, God wants all of us to grow his Kingdom. There are so many people in this world that do not know HIM.
They may know of HIM, they may know what others say about HIM...they may want to get to know him but have no idea were to start. I think God is saying right now, these gifts I have given you...I want you to develop and use. Well Lord, I am here, I am present, and I will continue to pray that you use me to put your love and light out into this world.
I have other topics swimming around in my head, that I cant wait to blog about, and I also cant wait to hear from anyone who is reading these. Id love to hear your thoughts, on the things I write about or articles I share. GROWTH!
Im seeking Spiritual Growth! Id love to see knew families join us at our church! We have a wonderful children's ministry Id love to worship with you, so if you are local, join me on Sunday at St. James, in Casco Mi. Also feel free to SHARE any blog that resonates with you.....GROWTH <3 p="">
