During our annual charge conference, I was given an opportunity to give a report as Lay Leader about our congregation over the past year. I somehow forgot that I might be called upon to provide a report and did not “prepare” anything. Low and behold, I was called to provide a report. I reported how over the time as a member of this wonderful community of believers, I have seen growth in trying to reach out beyond our walls into the world. Our stewardship was improved. We were able to change events from budget meeting to needs meeting. Our fund raising events changed from budget crisis to raising funds for the Advance, UMCOR, Habitat for Humanity, our local Methodist agency (Open Door), and others.We also started a building project to increase the size of our fellowship hall. I related that I do not “know” what mission (beyond our church fellowship needs) this new building project will bring, but I was sure that there was a mission coming. I could see it and feel it in our congregation. While I said this, I started waving my arms around (unconscientiously) as if to emphasize the spirit flowing among our congregation. Well our rather observant DS took note of my arm movements and continued to use this as an example a number of times after this!
I initially did not know what she meant, but realized after her reference, I had waved my arms around! How wonderful! Isn’t the Spirit like that? Flowing around, waving between believers, flowing in the community, moving, like the rushing of the wind and flames dancing even upon the unintentional movement of a lay leader's arms in an extemporaneous moment. Praise the flow of the Spirit!
Painting: “Women Waving”, by Sharon Hodgson.
