One of my favorite books of the Bible is The Acts of the Apostles. It tells a wonderful and rich story of how the followers of Jesus were empowered by the Holy Spirit to go among their communities and tell them how their lives were changed because of him. On fire, excited, their eyes wide open – they prayed, worshipped, and witnessed to all they met. Their lives had changed forever and they never looked back.

Chapter 6 includes my favorite story: the disciples finally realized they could not sustain the pace and activity level without burning out. But instead of throwing their hands up in the air and saying, “I can’t do this anymore,” they devised a plan to bring in others to help them with their growing ministry. So, “they called together the entire community” and included them in the plan. They presented them with ministry opportunities that could be shared by all. The first Deacons were named, and we are told the church increased in number.

I suspect the church grew in many ways as more and more people began to understand that they too had gifts to offer others. As their ministries grew, so did their faith. Today we too are taking the message of Jesus out to our neighbors and the world. We will always be part of the first church.

One of the goals of our FPCB Deacons is to have more hospital and phone ministrants to help Pastoral Care reach the needs of our community. In a few weeks we will have our Stephen Ministry Team begin once again to reach out to those who may need someone who can walk with them during a difficult or complicated time.

We are all feeling the growing pains of our new community and we invite you to grow with us. We too have ministry opportunities in every aspect of the growth we are experiencing. Our young families are in need of childcare while they worship; our communion team needs help preparing the elements of bread and juice for Communion Sundays which occur the first of every month. We need ushers for Sunday mornings and greeters to welcome members and guests to our worship services. Our time of fellowship after the two services is a fun way to meet new people as we join others to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and light refreshments. However, behind the scenes there is a group of folks who bake, cut and fill the trays of goodies for all to share.

On Sunday, June 9 we will worship together in one service at 10 a.m. After that worship service we will offer a Ministry Fair in Fellowship Hall. We invite you all to join us; you can learn more about how we, like the disciples, can share the many opportunities we have to serve others in the church, the community and beyond.

Hope to see you there.

Sue Bennetch