August 15, 2011

Psalm 79

It hardly seem that it is only two weeks before I start back to work. In many ways I am excited to get back. I miss my work mates.

I enjoyed going to church yesterday. Jeff's sermon had to do with the church continue (or get to) doing the hard WORK of ministry. Too many of our church (Our meaning mainline not just DOC) have fallen into being "club" churches looking only at their wants and desires and have neglected the community right around the church where they serve. Most, if they do any outreach, do it for people they never have contact with on a regular. In the Christian Church in Ohio, one of the phrases we need to take seriously is that "outreach is inseperable from evangelism." I would add the word Local to outreach. Forgive me stepping into the pulpit but in this period of time of Political end economic upheaval, the church is missing a great opportunity to share the love of God if we neglect Outreach to the neighborhood right around the church. That's where there are many who are hurting and fell lost.
They feel like our psalmist this morning who feels abandonded by God and wonders if God will ever forgive his people and bring them back to their Holy City Jerusalem. We have the good news that even the midst of unemployment, racism, terrorism, and other issues facing individuals and families, God is in our midst working to spread God's love with all of us. Let's help the church be one the instruments God uses for this work.

In the afternoon, I rode my bike for 15 miles. This is the first time I have ridden on the roads south of my home to ride. I dislike riding on the road as too many motorist do not give bikers and wide enough birth when passing them on the roads. There are some of these roads that are not heavely traveled and do well for bikes. So I enjoyed traveling the farmland around my home. Corn is 7 to 8 feet tall and looks to be a great crop. I contrast this with the drought in Africa that is leaving so many hungry and even starving literally to death. I can't even imagine. I hope that the 1/5th of the money I am raising by riding and hiking that goes to Week of Compassion will be used to help these people. If you would like to support this cause, please go to the Regional Church Website at www.ccinoh.org and click my Sabbatical Page.

Lord Jesus, Thank you for sharing this work of ministry with us. Help us not to neglict those who are right in our midst. Amen.