Pastor's Pen for December 2012

Have you ever thought about why you are a member of Zion UCC? There are lots of choices, from not attending any place of worship to attending any one of the huge selection all around you.

I have wondered - why in the world am I driving passed hundreds of churches to come and be a part of Zion UCC? The only response that lights up for me is that God has called and sent me to be a part of this church family - no other - in the way that I am part of this church family. So what about you?

I invite you to think about what has brought YOU to be an important part of this church family - or for those who have been here for a lifetime or more - what KEEPS you here through thick and thin?

It is at this ADVENT time of year when our church constitution requires that we invite those who are being sent by God to assume leadership or continue leadership to step forward and acknowledge God’s urgings in your own heart. This is not a call about worthiness or about whether or not you think you can "do the job." It is really about what God wants to do through you. So here is the real question - Will you pay attention and step forward to claim God’s call for you?

If you want an opportunity to discern, to think through the possibility that you are in fact being asked to share with YOUR CHURCH, Zion UCC, in the unique way that only you can do - come and let’s talk. I want to help you to live into all that God is calling you to be. Life is such a wonderful adventure saturated in the love of Christ. Come, let’s talk and explore the gifts God is growing in you. Zion UCC needs compassionate and caring people to continue leading our church. Church Council is the steering group that offers guidance and recommendations to the congregation about the vision and mission of our church. All of us are needed to make Zion the Heaven on Earth that our name suggests. Micah 4:2-4