DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
The 2009 Annual Conference theme continues to reverberate in my mind. The scripture reference on which the theme is based reads, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God...” (II Corinthians 5:17-18a, NRSV) The potential emanating from this text is far reaching.
As I reflect on the words in II Corinthians, I am reminded of Jesus' statement in John, chapter 14, verse 12: “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these... (NRSV). Greater things are on the horizon than have been witnessed or experienced. Something new is awaiting. Important to remember, though, is that Christ is the center from which the new comes.
I'm captured by a sense of excitement when I put all of this in the context of the Illinois/Wisconsin District. I firmly trust that this district is grounded in Christ. The evidence is overwhelming. Congregations and individuals who are the district are committed to Christ-like ministry and living in numerous ways. Separately and collectively, congregations are engaged in supporting missions both locally and globally with monetary and human resources alike. Stories abound of groups of people being sent to other countries to build homes for families, to promote peace in highly conflicted areas, and to offer hope in the midst of despair. Additionally, news is shared about groups that travel to places within the borders of the United States to assist in rebuilding homes and lives where natural disasters have occurred. Individuals willingly and sacrificially give of their resources—monetarily, physically, emotionally, and in many other ways—to ensure the continuation of bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and proclaiming God's favor upon humankind. Not uncommon, as well, is the commitment congregations and individuals give to the work of this district as they share money, gifts, and time so that God may be glorified and the good of our neighbors may be accentuated.
With such Christ-likeness among us, how can we not be excited? We've witnessed and experienced the new among us. Can we not anticipate even greater things happening among us? I can, and do!
With each succeeding year in this district, and with each new person who adds their gifts to the mix of servant-leaders among us, possibilities have become realities. In fairly recent history, a New Church Development Board was birthed, a District Deacons team was organized, budgets have been balanced, and good efforts have been sustained to strengthen relationships.
This sampling of the new among us happened because much effort was given to make it possible and to sustain it. Continuing such solid, strong efforts, as we move forward, will potentially generate even greater things.
Watch, see the new things among us as they continue to happen. And remember this: “Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:12-14, NRSV)
The 2009 Annual Conference theme continues to reverberate in my mind. The scripture reference on which the theme is based reads, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God...” (II Corinthians 5:17-18a, NRSV) The potential emanating from this text is far reaching.As I reflect on the words in II Corinthians, I am reminded of Jesus' statement in John, chapter 14, verse 12: “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these... (NRSV). Greater things are on the horizon than have been witnessed or experienced. Something new is awaiting. Important to remember, though, is that Christ is the center from which the new comes.
I'm captured by a sense of excitement when I put all of this in the context of the Illinois/Wisconsin District. I firmly trust that this district is grounded in Christ. The evidence is overwhelming. Congregations and individuals who are the district are committed to Christ-like ministry and living in numerous ways. Separately and collectively, congregations are engaged in supporting missions both locally and globally with monetary and human resources alike. Stories abound of groups of people being sent to other countries to build homes for families, to promote peace in highly conflicted areas, and to offer hope in the midst of despair. Additionally, news is shared about groups that travel to places within the borders of the United States to assist in rebuilding homes and lives where natural disasters have occurred. Individuals willingly and sacrificially give of their resources—monetarily, physically, emotionally, and in many other ways—to ensure the continuation of bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and proclaiming God's favor upon humankind. Not uncommon, as well, is the commitment congregations and individuals give to the work of this district as they share money, gifts, and time so that God may be glorified and the good of our neighbors may be accentuated.
With such Christ-likeness among us, how can we not be excited? We've witnessed and experienced the new among us. Can we not anticipate even greater things happening among us? I can, and do!
With each succeeding year in this district, and with each new person who adds their gifts to the mix of servant-leaders among us, possibilities have become realities. In fairly recent history, a New Church Development Board was birthed, a District Deacons team was organized, budgets have been balanced, and good efforts have been sustained to strengthen relationships.
This sampling of the new among us happened because much effort was given to make it possible and to sustain it. Continuing such solid, strong efforts, as we move forward, will potentially generate even greater things.
Watch, see the new things among us as they continue to happen. And remember this: “Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:12-14, NRSV)
<< Home