Being Kind at a Potluck! (#BestOf)

(the Best of) A Year of Being Kind, Saturday, September 2, 2017

Looking back at this post from three years ago, I am amazed and humbled at the excellent advice I received from a fellow pastor friend of mine. He was so right: let the congregation know I love them. (And, I do! I did, and I still do.) I always try to listen with attentive, intelligent, compassionate ears. And, I truly do care. Great advice, and still applicable. Dear God, help me always to be kind and loving to the congregation where You have led me to serve.

Posted on September 8, 2014 by chaplaineliza

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, September 7, 2014

Being Kind at a Potluck!

What an enjoyable day! What a wonderful worship service! And, what a great celebration afterwards, at the hot dog roast and potluck dinner!

The day began with me getting to church early. I needed to email and print off the intercessory prayer project sheets. (Several people in our congregation do not have email.) My good friend and former co-worker Pastor Gordon came to St. Luke’s Church today to help me out with the celebration of communion. So, we had a wonderful service! Gordon’s sermon on prayer was excellent—sort of an encapsulation of several sermons I had preached in the past few weeks. And, just what the church needed to kick off the Prayer Project, an intercessory prayer ministry here at St. Luke’s.

I’ll say one thing about our church—they sure can serve up a fine potluck! Delicious food, and so much of it. I am so appreciative of our church members.

I tried to mingle with several different tables this afternoon. Eating first at one, and then another, and last, sitting at a third table. Almost like having separate courses.

The being-kind-part came in with me doing my best to listen. Listen to what the separate individuals were saying, The conversations they had amongst themselves, the responses to questions I asked, even observing the interactions of others from across the fellowship hall.

I am still not quite used to being a pastor. I feel rather surprised, still, at the congregation allowing me to go first in the potluck line. (I solved that one by stopping in my office for a few minutes to divest myself of my robe and the cordless microphone. Necessary things to do!) Pastor Gordon and his wife already had their food, and were seated. I’m grateful that Gordon was available to say a short grace before we started to eat!

Still, I remember some worthwhile advice I received from a pastor friend: “Love the congregation. Let them know you love them. Make that your top priority and primary aim for your first year of ministry.” (Excellent suggestion, may I add!) I want to let the congregation know I am there to listen. That’s one of the high priorities for me, one of the best ways I can possibly let these dear friends know I love them. Plus, I want to be able to internalize and process what I’ve heard. And then, I can ask intelligent follow-up questions, and have solid, worthwhile interactions. These facets of listening are just so important. And, an equally important way to show individuals in the congregation that I truly do care about them. I truly do love them.

Another marvelous byproduct? When I show love to others, I display God’s love, too. I pray that many may see, know, and understand that God loves them, through my speech and actions.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Suggestion: visit me at my blog: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers– where I am doing a meditation journey through Easter and beyond. #PursuePEACE. Pursuing Peace – Thanks!)

(also published at ayearofbeingkind.wordpress.com .   @chaplaineliza And read my sermons   from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er – Thanks!)

Be of Service to a Grateful Family (#BestOf)

(the Best of) A Year of Being Kind, Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Serving, helping, being kind. These actions come naturally to me. As I was reading through several entries from the beginning of December 2014, I came across this one. I thought of this dear family, and my kind and compassionate friend—the mother of this family. She is in another sad, distressing, continuing situation. I don’t do this much at all, but I will ask my readers for prayer today. Please pray for my dear friend Susan. Pray for her finances. Pray for her children. Pray for her and her family to have a happy, healthy and blessed holiday season. Most important, pray for the Lord to go before and protect her, to prepare the way and to make her paths straight. Hear all of our prayers, dear Lord. Amen!

 

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, December 7, 2014

Zimbabwean nativity set

Be of Service to a Grateful Family

I’ve been talking about being kind this whole year. Yes, talking about it, and writing about other people being of service. And, giving some examples of me being helpful. Kind. Of service.

Yes, I could mention being of service in the morning worship service. Especially since it was a communion service. Pastor Gordon and I served communion to the congregation, and I believe they appreciated the whole service: from the Advent candle-lighting at the beginning of the service to the singing of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” for a closing hymn.

And, I was concerned about someone in our congregation. This senior was not in church this morning, so I called and double-checked. I am glad I did, because we were able to lift this senior up in prayer during the church service—a bad cold, which is now getting better. (More good ways of being of help!)

However, the highlight of my day was bringing a number of things to a grateful family. This family was some distance away, and it took a little while to get there. That did not matter to me, though. They were so appreciative! (That is the part I was concerned about!)

Yes, I can be kind. Be of service. Yes, I can buy some food or a few gifts or some items for some grateful individuals—or, for a family. This specific case was a bit different. A few of my friends and I all pooled our resources, and provided some things for this family. And, what was I doing there? I was the bearer of good tidings, and the one designated to bring the things.

I am reminded of my verse for December – Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Just think—God gave me the inclination, the impetus. And, God provided a nice vehicle so I could get there in safety and comfort.

Truly, providing much needed supplies and gifts for grateful people is certainly something God-honoring. And, it’s also something that our Lord Jesus commands in Matthew 25:34-40. What a way to be of service, and please God, at the same time.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Suggestion: visit me at my daily blog for 2015: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers.   @chaplaineliza And read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er – Thanks!)

Be of Service to a Grateful Family

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, December 7, 2014

Zimbabwean nativity set

Be of Service to a Grateful Family

I’ve been talking about being kind this whole year. Yes, talking about it, and writing about other people being of service. And, giving some examples of me being helpful. Kind. Of service.

Yes, I could mention being of service in the morning worship service. Especially since it was a communion service. Pastor Gordon and I served communion to the congregation, and I believe they appreciated the whole service: from the Advent candle-lighting at the beginning of the service to the singing of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” for a closing hymn.

And, I was concerned about someone in our congregation. This senior was not in church this morning, so I called and double-checked. I am glad I did, because we were able to lift this senior up in prayer during the church service—a bad cold, which is now getting better. (More good ways of being of help!)

However, the highlight of my day was bringing a number of things to a grateful family. This family was some distance away, and it took a little while to get there. That did not matter to me, though. They were so appreciative! (That is the part I was concerned about!)

Yes, I can be kind. Be of service. Yes, I can buy some food or a few gifts or some items for some grateful individuals—or, for a family. This specific case was a bit different. A few of my friends and I all pooled our resources, and provided some things for this family. And, what was I doing there? I was the bearer of good tidings, and the one designated to bring the things.

I am reminded of my verse for December – Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Just think—God gave me the inclination, the impetus. And, God provided a nice vehicle so I could get there in safety and comfort.

Truly, providing much needed supplies for grateful people is certainly something God-honoring. And, it’s also something that our Lord Jesus commands in Matthew 25:34-40. What a way to be of service, and please God, at the same time.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

No Heat? Being of Service Anyhow!

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, November 2, 2014

No Heat? Being of Service Anyhow!

When I arrived at church this morning, I discovered that there was no heat in half of the building. The sanctuary half! Fortunately, we were able to set up chairs in a meeting room in the other half of the building. Most everyone pitched in. The large choir room (which also doubles as the bible study room and church meeting space) was plenty warm, and I enjoyed seeing people working diligently to get things set for the service. A group of people pulled chairs out of the storage room, conveniently right across the hall. Several people got the hymnals ready (with a bulletin in each one), and they were wheeled down all the way around the corner, to the door by the warm side.

Yes, the sanctuary at our church is lovely. Open, airy, simple yet elegant. But—too cold for many in our congregation to sit and worship this morning. It was a good thing that we could have the service in the choir room, which even had a piano available for the church musician to play.

This was not just any worship service, since this was the first Sunday of the month. That means Communion. Plus, since this was November 2^nd, I had planned for a remembrance Sunday. The day after All Saints Day, but a day when we would lift up all the saints, relatives, and friends we could remember who had gone before us. Died, and were added to that great cloud of witnesses.

So, this was a special service, indeed. And, we had a different kind of a gathering this morning, for this Communion Sunday. I remembered those who went before, true. But I also mentioned how impermanent our time here was. (In the sermon, I mean.) I tried to communicate the facts that God loves us. We are called God’s children! And, when we get to heaven, we will see God. That’s a promise.

Very true, the choir room was a different sort of a place to have a worship service. But everyone helped. We each did a part, whether small or big. And, I do need to give Bob, our trustee, and his son, a huge thank you for working so diligently on the heat. All weekend!

God knows when we come together that God is quite willing to help. Assist. And, God will be able to protect, guide and deliver us. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Being Kind at a Potluck!

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, September 7, 2014

Being Kind at a Potluck!

What an enjoyable day! What a wonderful worship service! And, what a great celebration afterwards, at the hot dog roast and potluck dinner!

The day began with me getting to church early. I needed to email and print off the intercessory prayer project sheets. (Several people in our congregation do not have email.) My good friend and former co-worker Pastor Gordon came to St. Luke’s Church today to help me out with the celebration of communion. So, we had a wonderful service! Gordon’s sermon on prayer was excellent—sort of an encapsulation of several sermons I had preached in the past few weeks. And, just what the church needed to kick off the Prayer Project, an intercessory prayer ministry here at St. Luke’s.

I’ll say one thing about our church—they sure can serve up a fine potluck! Delicious food, and so much of it. I am so appreciative of our church members.

I tried to mingle with several different tables this afternoon. Eating first at one, and then another, and last, sitting at a third table. Almost like having separate courses.

The being-kind-part came in with me doing my best to listen. Listen to what the separate individuals were saying, The conversations they had amongst themselves, the responses to questions I asked, even observing the interactions of others from across the fellowship hall.

I am still not quite used to being a pastor. I feel rather surprised, still, at the congregation allowing me to go first in the potluck line. (I solved that one by stopping in my office for a few minutes to divest myself of my robe and the cordless microphone. Necessary things to do!) Pastor Gordon and his wife already had their food, and were seated. I’m grateful that Gordon was available to say a short grace before we started to eat!

Still, I remember some worthwhile advice I received from a pastor friend: “Love the congregation. Let them know you love them. Make that your top priority and primary aim for your first year of ministry.” (Excellent suggestion, may I add!) I want to let the congregation know I am there to listen. That’s one of the high priorities for me, one of the best ways I can possibly let these dear friends know I love them. Plus, I want to be able to internalize and process what I’ve heard. And then, I can ask intelligent follow-up questions, and have solid, worthwhile interactions. These facets of listening are just so important. And, an equally important way to show individuals in the congregation that I truly do care about them. I truly do love them.

Another marvelous byproduct? When I show love to others, I display God’s love, too. I pray that many may see, know, and understand that God loves them, through my speech and actions.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Kindness on a Sunday? Of Course!

A Year of Being Kind blog – Sunday, May 4, 2014

Kindness on a Sunday? Of Course!

Happy Sunday! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Sure, today was Sunday. One of my busiest days of the week, given my new position. Since I am working with a co-pastor, I did not have to preach this morning. However, I still had the responsibilities for the music and prayers at church. And, since this was the first Sunday of the month, my co-pastor and I served communion.

Wonderful service this morning! My co-pastor and I are a great team—we support each other and one picks up right where the other leaves off.

One extra special feature of today’s service: we had two visitors. Relatives of a couple in our church. There had been an extra special birthday celebration yesterday at our church. A precious, older relative had a birthday. According to the report, there were seventy people at the big party. She’s in her nineties, and she and her daughter were guests at our church this morning. Such a special occasion. Such a lovely, sweet lady.

As I know I’ve mentioned, I’ve talked in this blog before about an older friend of mine who works for a large senior citizen facility here in this suburb. She told me a few years ago, “You ought to have ‘Good with seniors’ printed on your forehead. Because, you are!” I must admit, yes, I am. It’s true. I am drawn to seniors, coming alongside of them. Talking with them, and even more important, listening to them. Really listening, and responding to them from my heart.

So after the service ended this morning, I took the opportunity to go to the two visitors. First, I talked with the daughter. I thanked her for coming to the service, and especially for bringing her mother. Then, I had the precious chance to talk with this dear senior. I got down on her level, and talked with her in her wheelchair. She was so open, and so grateful for the birthday celebration. She told me about her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren—and even great-great-grandchildren. So many of them had attended the party the day before.

I couldn’t help but ask her if I could give her a hug. She said “of course!” Her eyes started to tear up. So did mine. We hugged, I smiled at her again, and she even asked me for another hug. I had the sudden feeling that I could please God (not to mention this sweet lady), and so I prayed with her briefly. She was so happy at that! She sincerely blessed me. I appreciate her blessing so much.

God, bless this dear senior, and bless her whole family. Draw the many family members together in love, support, and mutual encouragement. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.