Ready. Set. Go!

When a congregation knows not only that a new minister is coming but also who it is, there can be a temptation to sit back
and wait. Wait! Don’t do that! Gary intends to hit the ground running and I hope you’ll be ready for the track meet.
[A disclaimer: While I’m an Olympics junkie, apart from that week every four years I don’t follow track and field – so if you’re a fan, forgive my sloppy analogy.] What’s your event? Something short and quick or one where endurance is
required? 100 metres or 3K, hurdles, high jump or long jump, shot put, javelin or discus?
“Being a Christian is not a spectator sport! Being a Christian means running the race, doing the work, being involved!”
Athletes work hard and train, start with small, local events, and push themselves to achieve more. Why do we think that being a Christian isn’t work or is easier? What the Apostle Paul says to the Christians in Corinth is this:
“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.”
[I Corinthians 9: 24 – 25]
It troubles me when Christians think their place is in the stands. While that may be okay at the track, it’s not an option in the church. Being a Christian is not a spectator sport! Being a Christian means running the race, doing the work, being involved!
Maybe you’re not an athlete. That’s okay. There are other skills that are required too: race officials and coaches, judges and groundskeepers, and a myriad of others whose participation is essential.
What is your contribution to the team at Forest Hill going to be? We need people to make phone calls, soup, or music; to knit or to chat with those learning English; to help with finances or with newcomers getting to know others; to visit people who don’t get out and to teach children. Yes, these activities and lots more go on here. Or, perhaps, you have an idea of your own for a project you’d like to see happen – not something for someone else to do, but something you want to do yourself.
Tell a Council member – our pictures are in the foyer – that you’d like to be involved and what you’re good at or interested in. You don’t need to wait to be asked. Let us know your idea and what help you need to get started.
Forest Hill is at the starting line. The moment of truth is ahead. Ready! Set! Go!
Pegi