Do all the good you can, 

in all the ways you can, 

to all the souls you can, 

in every place you can, 

at all the times you can, 

with all the zeal you can, 

as long as ever you can.

Believed to have been spoken by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, this saying captures the essence of Wesley's life and ministry.  Life, lived as a disciple of Jesus Christ, is about stewarding God's gifts for Kingdom purposes.  

Like anything, this is better captured by example and not with mere words.  This past Sunday, our church celebrated the example of these words that have been captured in a life: the life of Tommy Mayton.  

I've been intentional, in these first two weeks, to learn as much as possible about the rich history and bright future of this great church.  I have been so blessed to sit with leaders and members, listening and learning, in over fifteen informal conversations.  One of the common denominators through all of it - Tommy Mayton has been a person of influence and great compassion.  He has been an invaluable asset to this church.  He is gifted in music, in wisdom, and in offering care.

These words from others have only been affirmed in the hours of conversations he and I have.  He is a great steward of time, passion and intellect.  I'm better already for having spent time with him, and this church is forever changed for the good by his ministry.  Thank you, sir, for all the good you have done.

Long Days Getting Shorter

The days seem long, but not long enough to get it all done, do they?  Pressing needs get met, and those not-so-pressing get 'prioritized' to another day.  "There will be more time tomorrow," we tell ourselves, and there might be.  

Except of course,  daytime started shrinking this week.  With the arrival of the summer solstice, we begin the gradual shortening of days and lengthening of nights all the way to December. We all remember from science class that it occurs exactly when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun at its maximum of 23°26'...well, maybe some of us cannot remember that far back.  But it happened on Monday morning, at 7:48 AM.

But the truth is, we are all aware that there is so very much to do.  It is true for our personal lives, and for the church, Jesus' instruction to go and make disciples is a call to action (Matthew 28).  He told the woman at the well that the 'time is coming and is now here' (John 4). Jesus lived in the moment for sure, but also sought to orient his followers toward the coming reality of his return.  In the time in between, our commission is to lead people to grow as disciples of Jesus.

After the past century's decline, the church is returning to the truth that this happens only through relationships.  Relationships take time.  So, how are we to spend our time most wisely?  In what ways can we maximize the time we have, which seems to be growing shorter with each passing day, to achieve great things for God's Kingdom?  I believe it happens through creating partnerships, returning to old truths, and embracing new ways of ministry.  With God's help, let it be.