When the fire goes out…
And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another—
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
~ Hebrews 10:24-25
The country parson hadn’t seen one of his parishioners for some time and decided to pay a visit. Upon entering he noticed the hearth, took the tongs, removed a log from the fire, and placed if off to the side, away from the other logs. He sat quietly, not saying a word. Within a few minutes the lone log stopped burning. He got up, took the tongs, and placed the log back among the burning logs where it quickly caught fire again.
The man nodded to his pastor and said,
“I’ll see you on Sunday.”
I will confess my great concern-
The fire has gone out among many Christians during the past year of pandemic.
For a new church that named itself “Connections” the past year has been particularly painful. We’ve been fraught with the mandates-
– Do not gather.
– Do not sing.
– Do not break bread.
– Do not hug or even shake hands.
– Do not leave your homes.
– Do not go into other peoples homes…
I’m NOT asking you to disregard rules.
I’m NOT asking you to take unnecessary risks.
But I am asking you,
and inviting you,
to make sure you stay connected.
I see the fire of faith going out in many lives.
I hear how lonely so many have been.
And we’re seeing the effects-
Yes, worship attendance has gone down.
But so has participation in Groups, engagement with outreach, and overall giving.
When the fire goes out in one life,
the fire dims in the church,
and world grows a little darker,
and people are a bit more lost.
If you’re willing to confess that the fire has gone out in your life there is still hope. The fastest, easiest and most effective way to reignite the flame is to get back in the fire-
– Join us for worship Wednesday night.
Join us Sunday morning.
– Join a Connection Group.
– Volunteer to help with a team.
– Serve with the Winter Shelter Network.
Or just call.
We can talk, pray and pay a visit if and when you feel safe.
Do it for your own faith,
and for those who are alone, cold and in the dark.
Blessings,
Pastor George
