Many Are Chosen But Few Respond

Luke 10:1-16

 

        Jesus said, “I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves.” Is it any wonder folks hesitate when asked to be an elder? Many who responded have a horror story. Those that say no seldom give it a second thought. And yet what would the Presbyterian Church do without elders? Can you imagine leaving any important decision up to a minister?

        Fortunately this congregation has a history of selecting folks who are not only compassionate, but can balance a budget without having to remove their socks. Every year I am impressed by the quality of folks you choose. This year is no exception. Let me list some of their attributes:

        Two are leaders in our Adult Sunday School class.

        Two are choir members.

        Two are involved in wood ministry.

        All four are very active in worship.

        One works in the church garden.

        One prepares the sanctuary to reflect the season.

        Two fashion themselves as poets.

        Two are realist.

        Two are male and two are female.

        Two play golf and two play the guitar.

        All four have been preparing for this their whole life.

        Leslie spent her life responding to emergencies.

        Bob took emergencies and gave them structure.

        Phyllis is transformational.

Greg worked with transformers.

None were raised Presbyterian but they are now.

They are different as night and day yet one in Christ.

Each brings a story and each brings a heart shaped by that story. We, the people of Rockfish, will be blessed.

I got to know Greg while we were together in Guatemala. Greg went to build stuff. With no tools, few supplies, and no common language, Greg and his new friends built something that will last forever, a relationship. 

Leslie is remarkable. She is never lacking for tools, or energy, or compassion. But her best trait is the ability to occasionally come up to me and say, “Louie there is another way to approach this situation. Try and find it.”

Bob is quiet, until you get to know him. Bob loves the drama of the stage yet walks away from drama for drama’s sake.  Bob is reflective yet does not always reflect the prevailing view. One or two of you have heard Bob pray. It is a holy moment.

Phyllis celebrates sacredness while acknowledging the brokenness we each bear.   Listen to her sing. When joy overcomes her fear, an angel is released.

Sessions…..and churches thrive when relationships are based not on who you are but who are willing to become.

Sessions….and churches blossom when wisdom is exchanged from more than one direction.

Sessions……and churches flourish when common prayer becomes catalyst for the extraordinary.

Sessions…..and churches become transformational when each person is recognized as a child of God.

The gifts these four folks bring are astonishing. But that is just the beginning of the good news. Eight other elders with equally impressive gifts eagerly await the opportunity to serve with Greg, Leslie, Bob and Phyllis.    This truly is a day that God has made. Let us be glad and rejoice. 

Would Greg, Leslie, Bob and Phyllis come forward.