Minute for Mission: Reformation Sunday
The members of Shawnee Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, are familiar with the passion and pain associated with reform. The Reformation was a turbulent period in church history. It was characterized by harsh debates and struggles that led to a deep rift in Western Christianity. John Calvin and other Reformers persevered through these times, and each year we gratefully commemorate the meaning of the Reformation.
For most of their existence, the members of Shawnee focused their attention on themselves. They delighted in planning worship services and special events for their own family members and friends. In 2008, the session decided to take a risk of faith and challenged the members of the congregation to shift their attention to persons living in the community. This decision caused all kinds of turbulence. Some members left the church. Others limited their attendance and protested by withholding their offerings and tithes.
In order to enhance the spiritual energy of the worship service and attract new and younger members, the session voted to cash in seasoned investments to hire a very gifted musician. Although this decision led to a turbulent season among the forty-four members, the session held fast to the belief that the church cannot rely on tradition, on structures, on its own spiritual vitality, or on anything else in the world. Instead, it draws its life from communion with the crucified and risen Lord.
The church has added an additional worship service for youth and young adults, and an additional Bible study for seniors. It is planning a Saturday night worship service and a tutoring program for children in the community. Shawnee Presbyterian has experienced its own reformation.
—The Rev. Stephany Jackson, associate for congregational leadership, General Assembly Mission Council; stated supply pastor, Shawnee Presbyterian Church, Louisville, Kentucky
Lord, it is so easy for us to lose sight of your vision for us in the world. You have required that we do justice, but we are more comfortable when it’s “just us.” You have required of us a kindness, but we are most at peace with our “own kind.” You have asked us to walk humbly beside you, but our self-centeredness refuses to keep the pace. Forgive us. Amen.
Job 42:1–6, 10–17
We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight
PH 399
Ps. 34:1–8 (19–22)
Taste and See
STF 2267
Heb. 7:23–28 |
