an opportunity

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ... "

Whether you went to Sunday School or not, you probably know the song and its message of being the light that can shine into the dark places, or as in the civil rights movement where it became a song of strength in the face of dangerous oppression.  For me this Sunday, the song reminds me how each lay person in the church is called to be the light of Christ -- indeed the face of Christ for a world that needs more Warriors for the Human Spirit.

When our gifted preacher and worship leader is away on study leave, the congregation has an opportunity and an obligation to serve each other.  Greeting at the door, selecting special readings and communal songs, lighting the Christ candle, presenting a message and a challenge, passing the peace, praying the corporate prayer, invoking and commissioning, will all come from the heart of Christ through the people who follow and lead. This is the lay led Sunday Service. 

As we do this work on Sunday mornings, we begin to live into the deeper meaning of our words and spiritual practices. It gives us the inner strength we need to carry the light with us into our world -- a world that desperately needs us to make a difference.

Do you remember Ruth Duck's hymn 'As a Fire is Meant for Burning’ and its second verse?

We are learners; we are teachers;
we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers;
we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions,
we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit,
we would live to God’s delight.

Hear how the songwriter calls us all to bring our gifts to minister to one another.  So when you come to church this Sunday, know that you will be blessed, and most importantly that you are a blessing for others.

See you on Sunday. 

Gordon Miller
Director, Communication and Neighbourhood Engagement