Greetings to you all
Gifts in the Body of Christ open many possibilities for new growth, new opportunities and new friendships.
One of the most rewarding experiences in church life is to see individual gifts cultivated, developed and expressed for the glory of God.
In the application section of Romans (chapters 12-14) the Apostle Paul shined a light on “differing gifts” when he wrote: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For although we form one ‘body’ in Christ, the members of His body do not all have the same function.” (Romans 12:3-4 NIV)
In an interview I heard recently from a woman who had volunteered to serve in Calcutta India to assist Hospice workers with the daily details of assisting the dying, I was struck by the lively and deeply grateful way she described “the best experience I’ve ever had at any time in life”.
While attending to people whose needs were so profound, many of them didn’t even have the strength for conversation, she discovered a gift in her life that is a vital part of her ongoing work and ministry in her own congregation here in the U.S.A.
I realized as I listened that her story is a prime example of the privilege we have in church life – to identity, encourage and honor the unique gifts of God’s people.
I‘ve seen this principle in action in so many ways ~ here are three examples:
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A young mother was afraid to sing a solo because of a distressing time in childhood when her singing voice was mocked and ridiculed by a bully. The invitation (at church) to add her voice to an ensemble, and then to branch out into singing solos, unlocked a beautiful gift in her life. We saw her flourish as a singer because of a caring church that recognized true talent.
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A business owner whose work was so demanding he felt it impossible to be on a team or to serve in a ministry regularly and yet consistently surprised his church by bringing equipment, supplies or financial support for missionaries in ways that were kept anonymous in the process. The beaming joy I saw in his face so many times, often with tears welling up in his eye, to hear of how his gift touched a missionary was priceless.
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A technical expert I know has energetically and effectively blessed multiple churches, ministries and mission organizations by giving of his time and talent to solve technical problems with a deep passion for the work of the Kingdom.
Stories like these sharpened my sense that small church life is a kind of “greenhouse”. Acceptance and enthusiastic support among the church family can help to compensate for disappointments in life that may cause unhealthy isolation. Active participants in church find out more about themselves as well as being in the flow of worship, service, fellowship and outreach.
The best way for individuals to flourish is in an environment that honors God as Creator of each individual gift. Ironically it is only as we see beyond the individual – with an eye toward how each gift can benefit the whole congregation, that these gifts seem to “take wing”.
In spite of so many ways that our culture tends to isolate people from one another, the church stands resolute in the conviction that God’s gifts flourish in the community of Christ-honoring worship, fellowship and outreach. We love this adventure in faith and welcome you to join us!
Cafe Liberty coffee/greetings connection time ~ 9:45 AM until Morning Worship @ 10:15 AM. Welcome friends☕
Here are links to connect with us directly and to share ~ join us in live stream. We’re grateful for each of you!
- Live-stream via our Live page.
- Live-stream via our Facebook Live page
- Past services on our YouTube channel
- Audio podcasts
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
The name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all nations;
His glory above the heavens.”
(Psalm 113:3-4 NIV)
In His love,
Pastor Joe
Liberty Church
P.O. Box 295
Westminster MD 21158
Office: 410.857.4313
Pastor’s cell: 410.596.4096