Light the Fire

If you've been anywhere near Palmer for the past 2 months, you've seen the icon of the campfire, with the invitation to you to name the flame that burns within you. What it's about is a different way of looking at ministry for all of us, clergy, staff and congregation alike. The staff meeting Tuesday was all about this coming Sunday; we reviewed the scriptures and the central idea together, and in doing so we all felt the energy and hope and enthusiasm that this day has in store for us. As you consider how to put words to your hopes for your own discipleship in the world, maybe some of that recap is worth repeating here.

Let's begin with Acts 2:1 - 4.

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability."

And so the Holy Spirit gives us each a gift: gifts that others can hear and discern, no matter what our, or their, native language. What incredible fortune that is to contemplate! That I, through the pure gift of the Holy Spirit, can bring my gift -- whatever it is -- to you, for the betterment of your discipleship and faith.

Really, you say? Indeed, says the Lord. The next scripture is from Joel, 2:28-29.

"Then afterward
I will pour out my spirit on all
flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy,
your old men shall dream
dreams,
and your young men shall see
visions.
Even on the male and female
slaves,
in those days, I will pour out
my spirit."

Indeed, says the Lord. I give this gift to all, man and woman, slave and free, old and infant. That means you, and your kids, and everyone you know. We all have a gift! That's great, you say. Now what?

The next scripture answers: Acts 4:13-14.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition."

Uneducated? Ordinary? No problem. Bold? You bet. Peter and John converted thousands by giving themselves over to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If they can do that, we can, too.

Last scripture: Ephesians 3:16-20.

"I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Be bold! Know that what you are given is the gift of God for his glory; know that from your gift, you convey the love that passes all understanding.

What is your gift? Ask yourself: what do I see that hurts? That makes me long for a solution? That makes me think, if I won the lottery, I would set up a foundation to ___________?

It can be anything from ending hunger or war to caring for abandoned dogs to hosting potluck dinners. What is important is that it connects to your gifts and passions. Even if it doesn't have an obvious connection to Palmer ministry, name it and claim it because your discipleship matters in this community.

Come to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, anytime during the day. Write your gift, idea or passion on one of the large flames. If you don't have one, please come and see the wall of flames posted by others. One of them already there may move you, and if it does you can write your name on a smaller flame to show your interest and support. Write your name on a prayer log, and pray for the ministry and discipleship of others.

I can't wait to see it: a wall full of flames and logs, hopes and goals and dreams fueled by prayer and love, creating a bonfire of the spirit among us. Come and see.

Do you still have questions? Contact sarah scherschel, sscherchel@palmerchurch.org