We spent the day sifting rocks, pebbles, and sand for concrete. Melting in the sauna like conditions, each of us took turns sifting through the dirt. Rocks are everywhere in Haiti, but we had special loads trucked in for us to sift. One group was sifting through the coarser sand, getting the rocks out of the sand and pebbles. The next group then sorted the sand from the pebbles. Finishing concrete can only have the finest sand in it to allow it to spread the smoothest. The finish work of the Latrine requires the finest sand. But, all of the rocks, pebbles, and sand will be used in this project. Each plays their role.
The temptation to make a parable out of the sorting is great. Even Laura mentioned, that there must be a sermon in there somewhere. But, the are just sand, pebbles, and rocks. The sermon is in the love of people from thousands of miles away who would give of their time and money to make Haitian jobs and strive to re-present the love of Christ to the church and school in Haiti.
Lord, we each play our role. Lord, you are the master sifter. Sort us and arrange us and then use us to your service. Put us to work for your good purpose and empower us to be your people. Break down the walls of our ignorance and indifference to the suffering of our neighbors and help us to love and live out of your abundant grace!
We are rapidly approaching one of the great times in the life of United Methodists, Annual Conference. Annual Conference has a warm collegial spirit. The Annual Conference focuses on celebrating the ministries of local churches and exploring ways that the Conference gathers together to do more than we would alone. There are reports, elections, setting the budgets, etc.... but one of the most uplifting events is the services of Ordination and Commissioning where Deacons and Elders give their life to serve Jesus Christ. These services inspire the whole church while specifically setting aside some in our number for leadership in the tasks of Word, Order, Sacrament, and Service. Before the celebration, our bishop will examine the candidates for ordination in front of the entire Annual Conference. This examination is often the completion of a long process over many years which have prepared the candidates for this point. Having just been there last y...
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