10-27-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 27, 2024
At the Regional Assembly in Amarillo, which concluded last night, I heard two exceptional sermons. Our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens, preached Friday night, and her sermon set the tone for our theme: Faithful Steps Forward. Yesterday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, the new President of Brite Divinity School, offered one of the better sermons I have heard in quite some time. The worship service included the installation of the new Regional Youth Ministry Commission. Cypress Creek’s own Ellie Steves was one of the youth installed on the RYMC, and she offered leadership in the worship service as well. Great job, Ellie!

On Friday night, our GMP, Rev. Owens, told some of her own story, and what I really appreciated was an acknowledgement of all the small steps that brought her to where she is. We often question why it took so long for something to happen or for something to come to fruition. But Terri reminded us of how these little steps are where we are shaped for whatever it is that God is seeking to bring to completion. In Proverbs 3:5, we read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence.” I don’t believe those words are suggesting we ignore intelligence or life experiences, but there are times when faith invites us to do things that do not make sense. When weighing what steps to take, we often allow safe and simple to influence our decision. Even if it is a small step toward risk, if the invitation appears to come from God, is there trust enough to move in the direction of the unknown? 

Holy God, when your invite into newness carries with it some hint of trepidation, I pray for both trust and strength of spirit to take the first step… and then the next. Amen.