Paris Originals
6/01/2008
 I am writing these words the day after our commitment Sunday services. I thought both services went well, and there was a spirit of excitement (mixed with a bit of apprehension) present at 8:15 and 10:15. Many people put a lot of time and effort into preparing for May 18th, and I am grateful to them all. I am also incredibly grateful for all of you who made gifts and pledges for the renovation effort. I know what a few of you have given and pledged, because you volunteered that information to me for various reasons, but I have no idea what most of you gave or pledged. Without even knowing the amount, however, I am thankful for what you did. Large or small, each gift is important. As of today we have received $627,645 in gifts and pledges. That’s not a final number, of course. Many folks have not had an opportunity to turn in their gifts and/or pledges yet, and the trend so far is encouraging. But even that will not be a final number. The amount raised in the capital campaign will be combined with the funds we had already collected before we ever began the “Transforming the Church ~ Brick by Brick” emphasis in addition to a loan to be paid back with a portion of the interest from the Jhele fund. | We will soon be sitting down with our architect, Chuck Cassell (whom I also want to thank for his leadership) and Shales McNutt Construction Management to determine the scope of the project given the funds available. At this point no one can say what that will be. But I can say this: We are on the way. We have taken a step on the path. We are moving. We are not sitting still. We are moving in the direction God has called us to go. God cannot steer a parked car so we are not remaining stationary. No, we do not know the destination just yet, but following God’s call is not like plugging in an address on Mapquest. It’s more like navigating through a neighborhood with your imagination and intuition, looking at street signs. Following God means making it up as we go along. The early church knew that. They did not call themselves “Christians.” They called themselves “Followers of the Way” because Jesus, for them, was not a destination, or a map. Jesus was the journey itself, and there was no telling where the Spirit might lead them at any given time. So I invite you stay on the move. I invite you continue making up the walk of faith as we go along. What can God do with the commitment you have made? What kind of a blessing will your actions be in the days to come? There is only one way to find out. Let’s take the trip. Let’s continue the journey. Let’s take the challenge. Wherever we end up, it will be a great ride. |
The United Church of Christ.