34th day of Lent

Today, I will share in one of the most astounding events of ministry. More than 600 people who call Gainesville First United Methodist Church their church home will get together and serve the Gainesville/Hall County area in the name of Christ. Things will be cleaned and pruned and painted and sung and shared - all in the name of Christ for the good of others. We will begin around our Lord’s Table for a Holy breakfast (Communion) together. And then Jesus will become known to us in many heart-warming ways as we serve.

This day is really important for me. It is important for a whole host of reasons none of which are more important than being involved with so many people who put legs on their faith. I’ve studied the Bible a lot. There is so much to learn there. But if I never put what I learn into action, then of what value is my learning? Today is a laboratory of living our learning.

This Great Day of Service - that’s what we call it - grows all of us forward in faith in so many significant ways. I wish we could have a great day of service every Saturday, but that is not yet realistic. I wish we could have more than one a year. But once again there is an amazing amount of effort that goes into this day, and to do it too often might cause it to lose its effectiveness for Christ and create frustrated servants.

Nonetheless, I do believe that this one day does add to many more “unofficial” days of service for all of us. It raises our sensitivities to needs and to ways in which God can and does use his people. I know I’m more aware of others’ needs having done this for three years before today. I’m growing in my faith because I have participated in the growing of faith of others.

So I’m glad to be sharing in this day. I thank God that it happens every year during Lent. It is probably the most appropriate time of the year for Great Day of Service. It happens while we’re looking inward. It’s important that looking inward must always lead to serving outward. May it be so.