Changing Lives

Last Sunday, an hour before worship began, a holy moment was taking place in the north section of the church parking lot. It might not have looked especially "holy" to onlookers; they would have simply seen a group of teens and adults, dressed in very casual clothes, stuffing suitcases and equipment into vans, then pausing for a circle of prayer before they hopped into their vehicles, and started off, with the parents, siblings, spouses and friends who stayed behind waving good-bye.

But holy (in a very down-to-earth way) it was. It was the start of the week-long Sr. High Mission Trip, that would end up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where our young people would work with other young people from across the country to discover how they could be a sign of Christ's presence and love as they repaired seniors' homes, assisted with a food bank, served at a faith organization-sponsored Community Kids' Camp, distributed clothing and shoes to families in need and took part in other caring outreach ministries. The mission program doesn't just put teams to work - it also helps them experience community with one another and with the people they serve. Along the way that they may discover that they themselves, the ones we sent to "be in mission," are being changed and enriched by people whose circumstances may seem very different, but whose insights and hopes connect with their own. They may discover the love and presence of Christ in new ways in those moments of connecting. 

Peter Drucker was once asked what the "bottom line" is for congregations and non-profit agencies. His response was quick and simple: "Changed lives."

Lives can be changed, every so subtly, in the most ordinary looking moments, the kind of moments we shared in church life this past week  - meetings where we decide how to use our shared resources in the world; groups and studies where we share our thoughts and hearts, and in so doing deepen each other; children's events that may seem like all sno-cones and water slides, but are also experiences of learning that we are meant for fellowship, joy, daring and serving; and worship, where we create space in our lives to remember how near God is to us.

This Sunday in worship, we'll focus on a story (Luke 12:13-21) Jesus shared with a man who was worried about his financial "bottom line." We'll see how Jesus guides him toward a different way of looking at the "good life" - a life where we can be changed by God.