A Word from Pastor Stephen – May 23, 2020

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)

I think it is quite obvious by looking at me that I love a good potluck dinner. Being a good Methodist, I’ve enjoyed countless ones over the years. I’m always amazed that you just naturally get a variety of food. You would think that one time everyone would by sheer chance would bring three bean salads, or you would have nothing but plate after plate of deviled eggs. However, you always end up with an amazing variety of dishes. Unfortunately, it may be a long time before we are able to enjoy a potluck dinner again.

The Apostle Peter is calling us to use whatever gifts we have received from God to serve others. Just like a potluck dinner, we all don’t bring the same thing to the table and that creates a wonderful tapestry of service to each other, to our community and to the world.

A few of us are called to preach. Some are effective teachers of the Bible. Some have the wonderful gift of being able to work with children and youth. Others have a heart for missions. Some folks are adept at taking care of the finances. People fold and prepare the bulletins, make refreshments, have the gift of hospitality, or are handy at fixing things around the church. Others may be limited to what they can do physically, but they are tremendous encouragers and are champions at prayer. Do what God has called you to do for Him. We can all be “faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. Amen.