October 24, 2012
Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 12.21
Believe s Belong s Become
Ordinary People with an Extraordinary Mission All of our ministries at Church of the Servant depend first on God. Without God’s life-giving and sustaining presence, we simply would not exist. All that we are and all that we have is a gift from God’s hand. However, God extends his invitation for us to work together with him in this incredible mission! Here at Church of the Servant, we like to put it this way: we are ordinary people with an extraordinary mission. In Genesis 2:5, we read these words: “Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground...” Miroslav Volf, in his book Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace notes the profound point of this passage, “For creation to exist as a habitat for humanity, both God and human beings have to do their part.” The author of Genesis reminds us that without God sending rain, the earth wouldn’t be fruitful. At the same time, the productivity of the field also depends on men and women working the ground. This week marks my fourth year of ministry here, and over that time I’ve seen extraordinary mission in many forms. I have seen relationships restored between spouses who had very little hope. I have seen a community of believers surround those who have lost loved ones with love and care. I have seen thousands of people in mission and ministry feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and teaching young people in poverty how to read. These ministries happen because of men and women like you “working the ground,” and trusting God to “send the rain” of his grace-filled presence and power.... ... Continue reading on page 3
United Methodist
Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com