Where do I start?

Have you ever asked, "I would like to be more involved in my church, but where do I start?"

I don't know about all churches, but I know that at Centerville that we need a number of "willing workers."  The property committee always has a list of things that need to get done.  I saw one member just picking up sticks in the yard a few weeks ago - what a blessing, as far as I know no one told him it needed to be done. This past weekend a married couple were helping clean up a room that needed attention.  We have a number of those.  Again, what a blessing!!!  You can always come up and greet parents as they are dropping off children for preschool.  If you are willing to go through the proper background checks, we might be able to use you in one of our children/student ministries.  I would love to just spend an hour praying with you, I can't think of any greater honor than going before the throne of God together.  There are times to help serve at a food kitchen or the Great Bridge Food Closet might need help, just ask the Benevolence Committee.  There are a number of College Students' names on a bulletin board that could use contact from our church, you could help there. 
  Basically you just need to let us know and I am sure we can find something.  Keep up the good work!
God be with you on the Journey!
Kevin

hate or mean-spiritedness

I am sorry it has taken me so long to begin blogging again.  Many things I want to share, but Richard Rohr's devotion today hit the spot for me.  Take a look:

Question of the Day:   Do I allow hate or mean-spiritedness to control my life?

Fear is almost always behind hate. Sometimes it looks like taking necessary control, but control freaks are usually afraid of losing something. It is almost always fear that justifies hatred, but a fear that is hardly ever recognized as such.

For fear to survive, it must look like reason, prudence, common sense, justice, or even religion. It always works. What better way to veil vengeance than to call it justice? What better way to cover greed than to call it responsible stewardship? What better way to cover arrogance than call it Biblical obedience? Only people who have moved beyond ego and controlling all outcomes, only those practiced at letting go, see fear for the imposter that it is. To be trapped inside of your small self is always to be afraid.

There is an intrinsic connection between fear, hatred and violence. Fear always needs a hiding place, and one of the best is supposed morality or truth-speaking. Then, you can hate with impunity, and even grandiosity, or validation from the Scriptures. Then you can be hateful and not feel the least guilty about it, but in fact feel morally superior.

Thanks Richard Rohr.

God be with you on the Journey!
Kevin