I believe that each of us has gifts. Gifts to be used for God and His Kingdom. Having experienced Christmas a little over a month ago, it makes me think of the different gifts that were under the tree. Some were simply in a bag, one was so big that it just had a bow on it. Some were very nicely wrapped (don't you like it when free gift wrapping is included!), and well...others may not have been wrapped so well. Just because a gift isn't wrapped so well, does not mean there is not a valuable gift in there. You can't always tell by the wrapping.

 

Growing up (and a tradition we still have at our house) we took turns opening our gifts. One member of the family opens one gift and we wait for him/her to briefly examine it and then the next family member opens a gift, and so forth. Growing up I was always so frustrated with my dad. Dad would take a gift, sloooowly admire the beauty of the wrapping, turn the package over and then not wanting to rip the wrapping paper, would slooowly reach in his pocket for his pocket knife, and then slooowly slice and cut the tape at each section where the package had been taped, and then gently unfold the wrapping paper to reveal the gift. Ugggg. Just rip the gift open already. You see I'm a gift ripper opener not a slow, don't wrinkle the paper type of guy.

 

Now concerning the Gifts God has given you. Are you ready to rip it open and use your gift, or are you slooowly trying to figure out how to open (use) it? Each one has at least one gift given to them by our Lord. A gift is meant to be used and enjoyed. Often gifts are meant to be shared. Our opening scripture says that "There are different kinds of service...." Service is a gift. Where is it that God is wanting/needing you to serve at PHUMC?

 

We need those with the gift of teaching and facilitating to teach and facilitate. We need those with the gift of financial blessings to use their stewardship for the Lord. We need those with the gift of music to be involved in our Worship and Arts Ministry. We need those who are gifted in praying to be involved in our Healing Services.

 

There are many ways to serve. You may think, "What can God do with my Gift?" One of the most precious gifts God has given each of us is time. Let me mention just a few areas where men or women can utilize their gift of time. By using the gift of time they will be of service to Christ and His Church. Each and every Sunday we have parking lot attendants/greeters. Their primary purpose is to welcome, greet, and smile. They then assist with parking. Did you know that we have had about only 4 dedicated people out there week after week after week? They need some more to be a part of the team. Did you know you don't have to be out there the entire morning, but can take a parking/greeting shift? What a great gift to welcome and greet those as they first arrive. Contact Pastor Chris for more information. You can also contact Nelson Brown who is our Parking Captain.

 

We need men and women who would be willing 1 Sunday per quarter to help in our children's Sunday School classroom. There is no planning or preparation, but just the gift of time to be a helping hand. Contact our Children's Director, Robin McFerren. We also need help with our youth ministries, once again....often times just to give of their time and presence. Contact Carl Rinderle, Student Ministries Director.

 

Oh, I could go on and on.....with serving the Homeless (which the youth do once a month, the adults do twice a month), Greeters, helping with facilities upkeep and repairs......the list could go on and on. If you don't know who to contact, just contact the church and we'll get you connected.

 

What gift do you have? I encourage you to rip the gift open....and immediately begin using your time and service for Jesus.

 

See you Sunday where the Gift Giver needs us to use our gifts for Him!

 

Pastor Dave