The Person Matters

by Rev. Gordie Barry |  January 13, 2012

January 13 Weekly Update

1.        I received a wonderful gift for Christmas this year, “Mother Teresa: Her essential wisdom”. It is a wonderful book that I have chosen to read a few pages each day and share some of those with you. One of Mother Teresa’s opening thoughts follows:

          “If someone feels that God wants from him a transformation of social structures, that’s an issue between him and his God. We all have a duty to serve God where we feel called. I feel called to help individuals, to love each human being. I never think in terms of crowds in general but in terms of persons. Were I to think about crowds, I would never begin anything. It is the person that matters. I believe in person-to-person encounters.”


2.        Tomorrow we will be hosting the Kalamazoo District Annual Conference. from 9-3. The conference will begin with an opening gathering in the sanctuary where our own BASIC Praise Band will be leading music. I will welcome everyone to our church on your behalf and our District Superintendent, Neil Davis, will also share some words. Rev. Benton Heisler will give a keynote address and then everyone will go to one of nine workshops. Lunch will be served followed by the District annual meeting (like our annual fall church conferences) and another workshop. We will conclude the day with a brief closing and end the conference at 3pm.

3.        The bulletin boards are up.

We were able to get them up to be ready for this weekend. You will notice paper borders that will soon be replaced by oak trim to match the sanctuary. Every one of our teams has a space to share their good news on how we are “Being Instruments of God’s Love.”

 The “Opportunities” counter across from the bulletin boards will remain for you to sign up for classes and areas of service in the church.

             The “World” counter in Faith Hall will be the place where we offer goods for the congregation to buy and help support various mission projects.

4.        The annual men, father and sons retreat at Pentwater is coming!!!

Calling all men and sons to sign up to go to Pentwater for another wonderful winter weekend on January 27-29! The cost is $12.50/person/night. We will play in the snow, enjoy lots of food and rest all at the same time!! It is a great time. Sign up at the “Opportunities” counter or let me know.

5.        As always, take time to check out the opportunities desk to see how you can be involved.

We still need help with the hospitality and snow shoveling areas.

Have a good weekend, pause for some silent time remembering how much you are loved,    Gordie