That may be the one common and essential question that every Christian needs to answer over and over again in a lifetime, and this is perhaps the best month to find the answers at this stage in our lives. There is an excitement about September each year, suddenly things look new and fresh, suddenly old relationships feel new and new ones bubble over with possibilities, suddenly “change” sounds attractive rather than threatening! As children go off to school, as Church programs get underway, now is the time for each of us to find our place in the work of Christ in our world.

With Chris Heitkamp returning for a second year as our student pastor we can see the dramatic example of responding to God’s call. Our role, as a Teaching Church, is to aid Chris through our prayers and conversations, in his public search for God’s plans for him and his family. And this year we will also be watching Dave Fergesen work out his sense of vocation and service. Dave has completed the Certificate in Theological Studies at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and he is looking for a group of adults to lead in a study of the Apostles’ Creed throughout the year. The study group will begin on Thursday, September 15 and you can read more information in this Belltower or speak to Dave.

But you don’t have to go to Seminary to follow God’s call upon you, in fact most people won’t and shouldn’t. What you do have to do is consistently search out God’s call. Will you teach or help in Church School? Will you sing in the choir? Will you clean the Church? Will you offer your time and enthusiasm to the Youth Group programs? Will you serve as a greeter? Will you take a week in the Nursery? Will you be at the Picnic on the 7th? Will you join “Team Pig” as we prepare for the October 4 Oink-Fest? Will you be an encourager or a complainer? And will you do the one thing that is non-negotiable if you call yourself a Christian: will you worship every chance your get, placing yourself in the presence of God’s word and making yourself available to God’s ongoing work in your life?

And above all else, will you pray? Will you take the time on Wednesday mornings to offer specific prayers for the Church and for those who are on our prayer list? I am sometimes reluctant to say this, because it can be so easily misunderstood, but I continually see how our prayers have been answered, often allowing families extra months and years together before reaching the inevitable, but temporary farewell time of death; often providing individuals with the strength to face what they felt was impossible in ways different and better than we would have ever imagined possible; often allowing our congregation to serve God in ways that are far beyond our size, facilities or finances would seem to allow. So pray with joy and confidence and your prayers will be heard and answered, beyond the limits of our dreams and beyond the confinement of what the world calls “reality”.

Shalom,

Jack